Christian

Watson

“It’s not good,” LaFleur said when asked about Watson’s injury on Monday. While we still don’t know the full severity of Watson’s injury, we do know that initial tests confirmed a torn ACL, and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported earlier in the day that Watson is believed to have “suffered additional damage” beyond that. It sounds like Watson will be on a long road to recover in time for the start of the 2025 season. His absence in the postseason will likely lead to more opportunities for both Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks on Sunday against the Eagles in the NFC Wild Card round.

Rapoport notes that Watson is believed to have “suffered additional damage” in addition to his ACL injury. It’s a devastating blow to the Packers and Watson, who has struggled to stay healthy during the first three years of his career. With his season likely over, Watson will undergo further evaluation to determine the extent of the damage, his availability for the start of the 2025 season is undoubtedly in question. Watson caught 29 passes for 620 yards and two touchdowns in 15 games this season, and has appeared in just 38 of a possible 51 games since being drafted in 2022.

Watson suffered a non-contact injury to his right knee that sent him tumbling to the ground. He was eventually carted off the field and appeared to be in tears, leaving many to speculate the worst ahead of the Packers’ NFC Wild Card round. LaFleur clearly isn’t rushing to reveal the nature of Watson’s injury, but it wouldn’t be surprising if the worst was confirmed in the coming days. If Watson can’t go, Dontavyion Wicks would stand to see more work come playoff time.

Not good. Already sporting a brace on his bulky left knee, Watson injured the other one in the second quarter. Simply running in a straight line at less than full speed, Watson crumpled into a heap. He did limp his way to the sideline under his own power but was eventually carted from the blue medical tent. The oft-injured wideout appeared to be in tears. It’s safe to say Watson’s status for the Wild Card Round is now in doubt. Stay tuned.

The Packers probably aren’t going to push matters with Watson with the Wild Card Round only a week away, but the fact that he’s active is a strong sign he’s close to full health. Green Bay would not be risking anything unnecessary on Sunday against the Bears.

Watson was listed as a DNP for the first two practices of the week before being upgraded to a limited session on Friday. The Packers can only move up from the No. 7 seed to the No. 6 seed in Week 18 but are locked into a playoff berth already. With extremely little to play for, Watson isn’t likely to suit up on Sunday. Dontayvion Wicks is in line for another game as Jordan Love’s WR3.

ESPN’s Rob Demovsky reports Watson “went through stretch but then did not go outside for the beginning of practice.” Assuming he’s not practicing, this would mark two straight DNPs for Watson, who is on the wrong side of suiting up for Week 18 against the Bears. Watson also missed last week’s game. It wouldn’t be surprising if the Packers opted to play it safe with him given that their spot in the NFC playoffs is already secured.

The Packers listed Watson as questionable last week despite the lanky wide receiver’s inability to practice at all. He still has a chance to suit up for Week 18 but the Packers have already clinched a playoff spot so giving him Watson another week off could in the cards. His availability on Thursday and Friday should clarify the situation.

As expected, Watson is unable to play due to his knee injury after missing all of the week’s practices. He’ll be out, but the Packers do get star rookie Javon Bullard back after he missed two games with an ankle injury.

Watson didn’t practice at all this week, so the news isn’t much of a surprise. Per head coach Matt LaFleur, Watson is dealing with a bone bruise in his knee. It won’t sideline him for long, but Green Bay is eying a deep playoff run, so holding Watson out for a week or two is likely for the best. Dontayvion Wicks will take his spot in the lineup this week. Wicks will be a boom/bust WR4 once Watson is ruled out.