Unfortunate Injury Ends Packers Rookie’s Stint — You Won’t Believe Who!!!

The Green Bay Packers added some much-needed young blood to the wide receiver room this offseason. The Packers needed help at the position with Christian Watson having a long history of injuries. Jayden Reed was the Packers’ leading receiver in 2024, but he only recorded 857 yards.

leur wanted to avoid the question about the team not having a true No. 1 WR. During the 2025 draft, the Packers added Matthew Golden in the first round (the first time the team had taken a receiver in the first round in 23 years) and Savion Williams in the third round.

The Green Bay Packers waived an injured rookie WR

USATSI 24254395 1 — Sep 15, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur prior to the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Green Bay also added rookie receiver Jadon Janke on May 14. Unfortunately for the former South Dakota State standout, the return specialist suffered an injury during OTAs.

Per an announcement by the Packers on Monday, general manager Brian Gutekunst waived Janke from the team.

SPRINGFIELD, MO - SEPTEMBER 24: Jadon Janke #1 of the South Dakota State Jackrabbits celebrates a touchdown against the Missouri State Bears in Springfield, MO on September 24, 2022 (Photo by Dave Eggen/Inertia) — SPRINGFIELD, MO – SEPTEMBER 24: Jadon Janke #1 of the South Dakota State Jackrabbits celebrates a touchdown against the Missouri State Bears in Springfield, MO on September 24, 2022 (Photo by Dave Eggen/Inertia)

Given the talent on the Packers’ receiver corps with Reed, Watson, Romeo Doubs, and two draft picks, it wasn’t likely that Janke was going to see many passes from quarterback Jordan Love in training camp or the upcoming season if he made the practice squad/53-man roster.

Janke’s best chance to make the team was via special teams, something he stood out for in college when he made the All-Missouri Valley Football Conference Second Team in 2022.

Janke signed with the Houston Texans as an undrafted free agent in 2024 but was released in training camp. He also spent time with the Miami Dolphins in training camp.