It doesn’t sound like the Green Bay Packers will have wide receiver Christian Watson available for Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Watson was estimated as a non-participant on Wednesday and then held out of Thursday’s practice. Coach Matt LaFleur said he didn’t think Watson would practice Friday, either.
“We’ll have a better indication after today but I would not anticipate him to practice tomorrow,” LaFleur said Thursday.
Watson is in jeopardy of missing a second straight week as he continues to heal from a hamstring injury. He suffered the injury while running for a first down during the fourth quarter of the team’s Week 13 win over the Kansas City Chiefs. He went down on his own accord at the end of the play and then had to be helped off the field.
Last week, Watson was unable to practice leading up to their game against the New York Giants and was ruled out on the final injury report. Green Bay went on to lose, 24-22.
The offense clearly missed Watson’s playmaking, which helped propel the team to victories over the Detroit Lions and the Chiefs the previous two weeks. In those games, he totaled 12 catches for 165 yards and three touchdowns.
Unfortunately, missing a full week of practice likely means Watson will be hard-pressed to play against the Buccaneers.
Fortunately, the Packers did receive some positive news on injuries to their other receivers. Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks practiced on Thursday and have a chance to play this week.
Green Bay (6-7) will host Tampa Bay (6-7) on Sunday, with both teams competing for the playoffs.
