Green Bay Packers’ Christian Watson is currently dealing with a chest and possibly a shoulder injury, which puts his participation in the upcoming game against the Chicago Bears in doubt.
Watson underwent tests on his upper body at a Denver hospital following the Packers’ loss to the Broncos on December 14th. These tests determined it was safe for him to travel back home with the team.
The Packers medical staff are still assessing the extent of Watson’s injuries, and there is no set timeline for his return to the field. However, early indications suggest that he will not need to be placed on injured reserve. The impact of Watson’s potential absence on the Packers’ game against the Bears remains uncertain and will likely become clearer as the week progresses.
Watson sustained the injury in the third quarter of the game against the Broncos. While attempting to catch a pass from quarterback Jordan Love, he became entangled with Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II. Surtain intercepted the pass, and in the process, Watson’s right arm was locked to his side, and he appeared to land awkwardly on his elbow.
Despite the collision, Watson was able to walk off the field and into the locker room without assistance, though he was seen holding his right shoulder. Head Coach Matt LaFleur mentioned that Watson was sent to the hospital for a CT scan but did not provide further details regarding the injury.
Prior to this injury, Watson had been performing well, including catching two touchdown passes in the Packers’ previous game against the Chicago Bears. In the game where he was injured, Watson had three receptions for 29 yards.
Since returning from the physically-unable-to-perform list, Watson has played in eight games, recording 28 catches for 481 yards and five touchdowns. He has been on the field for 281 snaps, second only to Romeo Doubs among Packers receivers.
In the game against the Broncos, Watson played 27 snaps before his injury. Rookie receiver Matthew Golden saw increased playing time as a result, playing 23 snaps and catching three passes for 55 yards. He also drew a 25-yard pass interference penalty.
This was Golden’s most significant playing time since Week 8 against the Carolina Panthers. He had previously missed three games due to shoulder and wrist injuries and only played five snaps in his first game back against Chicago.
If Watson is unable to play against the Bears, it is anticipated that Doubs and Jayden Reed would start at receiver, with Golden and Dontayvion Wicks potentially sharing the No. 3 receiver role.
The Packers are anticipating a lengthy injury report as they prepare for the game against the Bears.
Other players who sustained injuries during the game against the Broncos include defensive end Micah Parsons, safety Evan Williams, tackle Zach Tom, tight end Josh Whyle, linebacker Quay Walker, and cornerback Nate Hobbs.
Walker was able to return to the game and played almost every defensive snap. Hobbs played 10 snaps before exiting.
