Joe Reed

Los Angeles Chargers
Wide Receiver #12
Los Angeles Chargers
Wide Receiver #12

Joe Reed News

Lands on Chargers' practice squad

The Chargers signed Reed to the practice squad Wednesday.

Analysis: Reed is set to open the regular season on Los Angeles' practice squad for the second-straight year after missing a spot on the team's 53-man roster this offseason. The 2020 fifth-round pick accumulated 435 kick-return yards over 149 special-teams snaps with the team as a rookie.

Sep 1, 2022 11:20 AM EST


Waived by Bolts

The Chargers waived Reed on Tuesday.

Analysis: Reed flashed during the team's preseason opener, catching four of five targets for 61 yards and a score, but he failed to make an impact in the second exhibition game and didn't play in the finale. The 2020 fifth-round pick appeared in 11 games as a rookie, mostly operating on special teams, but hasn't played in a regular season game since.

Aug 30, 2022 1:32 PM EST



Makes impact in preseason opener

Reed secured four of five targets for 61 yards and a touchdown and returned three kickoffs for 60 yards in the Chargers' 29-22 preseason loss to the Rams on Saturday night.

Analysis: The 2020 fifth-round pick was second in receptions and receiving yards for the Chargers on the night, opening the scoring on a 41-yard touchdown grab early in the first quarter. Reed has yet to record a regular-season reception and spent the entirety of last season on the practice squad injured list, but he could make a case to stick as a No. 5 or No. 6 receiver and kickoff returner with a strong enough preseason.

Aug 13, 2022 10:47 PM EST


Signs new contract with Chargers

The Chargers signed Reed to a reserve/future contract Tuesday, Aaron Wilson of Sportstalk 790 Houston reports.

Analysis: Reed spent the 2021 season on the Chargers' practice squad injured list with an undisclosed issue, but he'll return to the team for the 2022 campaign. The wide receiver played in 11 games with the Chargers in 2020, operating mostly as a special-teams option while accumulating 435 kick-return yards.

Jan 18, 2022 3:23 PM EST


Returns to practice squad

Reed (foot) was signed to the Chargers' practice squad Wednesday, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: The 2020 fifth-round pick was always a candidate to return to the team's practice squad should he clear waivers. Reed was primarily a special teams asset in his rookie campaign and could fill the same void later this season.

Sep 1, 2021 2:55 PM EST



Waived Tuesday

The Chargers waived Reed on Tuesday.

Analysis: Reed appeared in 11 games with the Chargers as a rookie last season, but he contributed almost entirely on special teams while failing to secure his lone target. The 2020 fifth-round pick might be a candidate for the practice squad.

Aug 31, 2021 1:46 PM EST


Sports walking boot

Reed arrived at Thursday's practice in a walking boot, Gilbert Manzano of The Orange County Register reports.

Analysis: Reed, who complied 435 kick-return yards through 11 games last season, appears to be sidelined with an undisclosed foot or ankle injury. His status will need to be monitored as Sunday's preseason game against the Chargers approaches.

Aug 19, 2021 9:09 AM EST


Relevant only as kick returner

Reed compiled 435 kick-return yards across 11 games during his rookie season. The 23-year-old saw a total of just 27 offensive snaps.

Analysis: The 2020 fifth-round pick had an opportunity to crack the starting lineup during an abbreviated offseason but instead saw second-year speedster Jalen Guyton jump over him for the No. 3 wide receiver to begin the year, cratering any sort of positive fantasy momentum for Reed. Reed's decent numbers as a kick returner likely will keep him off the roster bubble entering training camp next season, but a drastic change in offensive philosophy might not even be enough for Reed to leapfrog above Guyton, and a number of other names, for the No. 3 role.

Jan 8, 2021 2:30 PM EST


Gets work on special teams

Reed fielded seven special-teams snaps during Sunday's 19-16 win against the Broncos.

Analysis: Reed hasn't taken a snap on offense since Week 9, and he has just five offensive touches (all rush attempts) for 29 yards on the season. Most of the 22-year-old's involvement has come via special teams, where he is averaging 20.7 yards per tote over 21 kickoff returns. Denver's Brandon McManus permitted one return opportunity to Nasir Adderley in the early fourth quarter, which resulted in a 30-yard return for Los Angeles.

Dec 29, 2020 6:07 PM EST


Sitting down Thursday night

Reed (coach's decision) is inactive for Thursday's matchup against the Raiders, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: Reed has been one of Los Angeles' most frequently deployed options on kickoff returns this season, but KJ Hill will continue slotting into that role for Thursday Night Football. The Virginia product has averaged 20.7 yards over 21 returns in 2020, but he's a healthy scratch Week 15 after sitting out last Sunday's matchup against Atlanta because of a ribs injury. Reed's offensive role has been sparse, with five total touches on the season.

Dec 17, 2020 4:15 PM EST


No limitations Tuesday

Reed (ribs) was a full participant at practice Tuesday.

Analysis: The 22-year-old missed Sunday's win over the Falcons due to the rib injury, but he was able to return to practice as a full participant Tuesday. Reed should reclaim kick return duties and his depth role in the receiving corps.

Dec 15, 2020 2:29 PM EST


Won't play Week 14

Reed (ribs) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Falcons.

Analysis: The 22-year-old was considered questionable with the rib injury but won't be suiting up Sunday. Reed has been targeted only once all season and rarely plays offensive snaps, so the Los Angeles offense shouldn't be significantly affected by his absence.

Dec 13, 2020 12:24 PM EST


Tagged as questionable

Reed (ribs) is questionable for Sunday's game versus the Falcons.

Analysis: Reed had his practice reps capped all week, so he'll likely be a game-time decision for Sunday's 4:25 p.m. ET kickoff. His status won't affect the Chargers' offensive dynamic either way, as he didn't play a snap on offense over the last three games.

Dec 11, 2020 4:03 PM EST


Returns to practice Wednesday

Reed (ribs) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice.

Analysis: Reed didn't practice last week and missed Sunday's game against the Patriots, but he's making progress with a return to practice Wednesday. If the rookie is able to return this week against the Falcons, it would mainly affect the team's kick return, where Reed has generated 435 yards this year.

Dec 9, 2020 4:43 PM EST


Won't face Patriots

Reed (ribs) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Patriots.

Analysis: Reed received the questionable tag despite not practicing all week, and he won't available Sunday. KJ Hill should handle return duties for the Chargers this week.

Dec 6, 2020 12:31 PM EST


Questionable for Sunday

Reed (ribs) is questionable for Sunday's game versus the Patriots.

Analysis: Reed didn't practice at all this week, putting him on the wrong track for Week 13. The rookie fifth-round pick rarely plays on offense but returns kicks on a consistent basis. KJ Hill could pitch in as a kick returner if Reed is unavailable this week.

Dec 4, 2020 3:44 PM EST


Dealing with rib issue

Reed (ribs) was a non-participant during Wednesday's practice.

Analysis: The specifics of the injury remain unclear, but it's certainly a negative sign for Reed to start the week as a DNP. Reed has seen all of his snaps on special teams the past three games, so his absence won't affect things from a fantasy perspective. If he was forced to miss Week 13 against New England, KJ Hill would be in line for an uptick in snaps on special teams.

Dec 2, 2020 4:29 PM EST


Solid return in Week 8 defeat

Reed registered a 26-yard kick return during Sunday's 31-30 loss to the Broncos.

Analysis: Reed has been involved in the kick-returning realm for every game that he's been active in 2020, registering a 23.2 yards-per-attempt average across nine returns (and five games played). Los Angeles has also deployed Tyron Johnson on kickoff returns this season, though he has not fared quite as well with 17.5 yards per attempt. The Virginia product sits fifth on the WR depth chart but he continues to carve out a role for himself with special-teams acumen.

Nov 3, 2020 6:40 PM EST


Held out for Week 4

Reed (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's matchup against the Buccaneers, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.

Analysis: The rookie from Virginia played an important special-teams role throughout September, but Week 4 marks the first time in Reed's young career that he will not dress for game action. He registered 25.7 yards per attempt on six kick-return tries Week 1 through 3, however, those duties will be left up to KJ Hill and Desmond King when the Chargers face Tampa Bay on Sunday afternoon.

Oct 4, 2020 9:15 AM EST


Solid day as returner

Reed tallied 85 kick-return yards in the 23-20 overtime loss to the Chiefs on Sunday. He also carried the ball once for eight yards.

Analysis: Reed actually saw less offensive snaps (two) than his first career game (three), but regardless it's pretty clear he's not any semblance of an offensive factor at the moment. The fifth-round pick has proven to be a fairly dominant returner, however, recording the fourth-most return yards (131) through two weeks.

Sep 22, 2020 9:55 AM EST


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