Former Spartans star has chance to shine on Thanksgiving

November 29, 2024

Former Michigan State wide receiver Jayden Reed will play Thanksgiving football for the second straight season on Thursday night when his Green Bay Packers host the Miami Dolphins.

Reed led the Packers’ dynamic offense with over 100 yards rushing in the first game of the season. He leads the team with 669 receiving yards while also leading wide receivers with four touchdowns.

In Reed’s rookie season, the Packers wide receiver played well on Thanksgiving and was a key factor in the Packers’ 29-22 victory over the Detroit Lions, which sparked the Packers’ improbable playoff run. Reed caught four passes and also had a receiving touchdown.

In 2024, as the Packers’ season unfolded, they transitioned away from the passing offense to dominating the field with the rushing attack.

Last week, the Packers scored 38 points against the San Francisco 49ers, but the majority of them came on the floor. Fourth-year Packers quarterback Jordan Love threw for just 160 yards, while Packers running back Josh Jacobs ran for 106 yards and three touchdowns.

Because of the rushing attack, Reed has been quiet lately, catching just five passes for 49 yards in the last two games.

The 24-year-old will look to break out on Thursday while being guarded by All-Pro Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey.

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur should try to involve Reed in non-traditional plays like an end-around to get Reed more involved in the offense.

The former first-team All-American was also an elite punt returner for the Spartans. In the NFL, Reed didn’t have the same success on special teams. This season, his longest return was just 15 yards.

Reed was one of the many former Spartans who went on to the next level. Others include Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman and Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker IIIand Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins.

Although the Packers have a three-point advantage at Lambeau Field, the Dolphins will not be an easy team to beat as they fight to stay in the race for a playoff spot.

Led by head coach Mike McDaniel, the Dolphins boast a top-ten pass defense and after a 2-6 start to the season, they are starting to resemble last season’s team, having won three straight games.

The Packers are 8-3 and in third place in the NFC North division race, one game behind the Minnesota Vikings and two games behind the Lions. With six games left in the regular season, the Packers have a chance to make up some ground.

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Taylor Reeves

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