Packers Coach Slams ‘Dirty Hit’ After Star WR Suffers Broken Collarbone vs Commanders
The Green Bay Packers emerged from their Week 2 victory with mixed emotions. While the scoreboard favored them, the locker room mood soured, overshadowed by anger and frustration at a collision that felt both reckless and avoidable.
Head coach Matt LaFleur directed his criticism squarely at the league. He insisted the injury suffered in Thursday’s game was not the result of a hard-fought play, but of an unnecessary act that endangered a key young star.
The incident unfolded when second-year receiver Jayden Reed hauled in a 39-yard pass from Jordan Love during the opening quarter. He secured the ball, came down cleanly, and appeared ready to reset before Washington safety Quan Martin delivered more.
“The catch was complete, the play was over, and yet our guy was driven into the ground again,” LaFleur fumed afterward. “That extra takedown wasn’t football — it was a message, and it broke his collarbone.”
Reed lay on the turf clutching his right shoulder before being escorted to the sideline. Medical tests later confirmed a fractured collarbone, with early estimates placing his absence between six and eight weeks, a crushing blow to Green Bay’s offense.
Packers WR Jayden Reed catches a touchdown pass (or not), but ends up injured on the back half of the play. pic.twitter.com/fzWrBJqF8g
— Arye Pulli (@AryePulliNFL) September 12, 2025
LaFleur confirmed he plans to submit an official proposal to the NFL demanding stricter reviews of unnecessary roughness. The coach emphasized that retaliation disguised as tackling has no place in a league that claims to prioritize player safety.
For the Packers, Reed’s loss forces a reshuffle. His speed and creativity in the slot had been central to their offensive rhythm, leaving Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, and rookie additions with the challenge of filling the sudden void.
Beyond the roster shuffle, LaFleur’s words underline a larger question for the NFL. Will the league view Martin’s takedown as just football, or acknowledge it as an unnecessary blow that altered Green Bay’s season? Fans are waiting for an answer.
Ravens Star Agrees to Restructure, Saving Team $11 Million in Salary Cap Space
Baltimore, MD – September 4, 2025
The Baltimore Ravens have executed a financial maneuver this week that could prove pivotal for their roster flexibility in 2025. By restructuring the contract of one of their cornerstone offensive linemen, the team has created valuable salary cap relief heading into the season.
For Baltimore’s front office, the adjustment is about maximizing maneuverability. With cap space always at a premium for a contender in the loaded AFC, this decision provides breathing room for in-season signings, potential extensions, or even trade acquisitions if the opportunity arises.
That player is Ronnie Stanley, the Ravens’ stalwart left tackle who signed a five-year, $98.75 million extension with $70 million guaranteed. His 2025 cap hit of $21.5 million was manageable compared to a potential tag, but by converting a significant portion of his base salary into a signing bonus, Baltimore has freed an estimated $11 million in cap space for this season.
Stanley has been one of the NFL’s premier blindside protectors, anchoring the offensive line and ensuring Lamar Jackson has both time and security to thrive. Alongside Kevin Zeitler and Tyler Linderbaum, he has helped define the Ravens’ identity in the trenches, keeping the offense balanced and explosive.
Analysts at outlets like Ravens Wire had previously flagged Stanley’s contract as the most logical restructuring option. Cap projections also suggested Baltimore could unlock between $10–12 million in relief without jeopardizing future flexibility.
For Stanley, the adjustment underscores his role as a foundational piece of the franchise. His willingness to work with the front office not only strengthens ties with management but also sends a message of commitment to teammates and fans alike.
The timing is crucial. With Baltimore’s aspirations of unseating Kansas City and contending for another Super Bowl, the financial flexibility gained from Stanley’s restructure ensures the Ravens remain aggressive and adaptable. It’s the kind of behind-the-scenes move that won’t grab headlines on Sundays but could make all the difference come January.
