Christian Watson injury: Packers WR exits game, questionable to return vs. Saints

Christian Watson exited Monday Night Football during the third quarter of the Packers matchup vs. the Saints with an injury. He was deemed questionable to return.

Watson appeared to get banged up in the first half after taking an explosive play near the Packers’ goal line during the second quarter. He was taken to the medical tent but was ultimately allowed back into the game. It’s unclear if the injuries are related.

The ESPN broadcast showed Watson appearing to get his right knee looked at by medical staff on the sideline.

He had two rushes for 23 yards at the time of his exit. Watson did not record a reception, but his team led New Orleans 21-0 while he was on the field.

Injuries have been an issue for Watson throughout his young career. In three seasons, he has been unable to stay healthy for an entire season and was forced to play in just nine games during the 2023 season.

In 2024, Watson has remained largely healthy having played in 14 games, catching 29 passes for 620 yards and two touchdowns for the Packers this season. Aside from his touchdown numbers, his reception and receiving totals are career-best.

While he’s yet to have his first 1,000-yard receiving season, he has surpassed that mark over his career. Across three seasons he has 98 receptions for 1,653 yards and 14 touchdowns. He scored 12 touchdowns during the first 23 games of his career but has scored just two in 2024.

Even though Watson may be unable to continue, the Packers will look to finish strong in this Monday Night Football matchup — they’ll clinch a spot in the NFC playoffs, joining fellow NFC North rivals the Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings as teams to have already cemented their spots in the postseason.

A win would improve the Packers to 11-4 overall, setting up a final two-week stretch of the regular season against the Vikings and Chicago Bears.