Jayden Reed battling severe eye infection, continues to do full workout at NFL Combine

Former Michigan State star receiver Jayden Reed has been battling a severe eye infection at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The infection is apparently so bad that one eye is almost fully closed. Reed wanted to play through the infection and will still perform a full workout at the combine, according to Rapoport. He ran a 4.45 40-yard dash time, which ranked him in the top 20 overall times through Day 3 of the 2023 NFL Combine.

During his time in East Lansing, Reed established himself as one of the most prolific receivers in Michigan State football history. He went on to win first team All-American honors from the AFCA as an all-purpose player in 2021. The versatile playmaker was also one of five finalists for the Paul Hornung Award, given annually to the nation’s most versatile player. In 31 games with Michigan State, Reed stamped his name in Spartan football history by hauling in 203 catches for 2,866 receiving yards and 26 touchdowns. Once it was all said and done, he wrapped up his prolific career with 4,341 all-purpose yards.

His best season as a receiver came in 2021, when he hauled in 1,026 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns, while averaging 17.4 yards per catch. Per Pro Football Focus, the former MSU star hauled in seven contested catches on throws of 20-plus yards or more in 2022, which ranked him third in the nation.

Later in the evening on Saturday night, Reed tweeted a picture of his eye infection to let everyone know exactly what he’s been dealing with over the years. It’s admirable that Reed wants to play through the infection and show NFL scouts what he can do this week. Scouts and decision makers will surely appreciate him battling though the adversity, no doubt about it. It’s going to be interesting to see where he’s drafted.