Christian Watson injury update: Matt LaFleur reveals timeline for Packers WR's return

Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur gave injury update on wide receiver Christian Watson after the team lost to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. Per Matt Schneidman of The Athletic, LeFleur said Watson will be “out at least a week or so” after suffering an ankle injury during the game.

Watson only had one target before his injury occurred in the second quarter. On the play, quarterback Jordan Love threw a pass intended for Watson but was intercepted by Vikings linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill. In the process, Watson’s left leg got caught underneath him, which led to him being down on the field for a short time before walking off under his own power. The medical staff examined Watson in the tent before he was carted to the locker room.

Through four games, Watson has caught just five passes for 80 yards and one touchdown. A big reason for the slow start is Love missed the Week 2 and Week 3 games due to a knee injury. Malik Willis took over as starting QB, and the passing game has been limited.

Jordan Love praises Christian Watson before 2024 season

In 2023, Watson dealt with a hamstring injury, which led to him missing eight games. In the limited action he saw last season, the former North Dakota State star caught 28 passes for 422 yards and five touchdowns.

During training camp, Love talked about having Watson healthy for the 2024 season. “I think that’s for everybody,” Love said. “You want to be able to be out there, be available so we can build that chemistry, get a good feel. I think Christian is a guy that is playing really well as well. I’ve hit him on a couple of deep balls where I think that’s his bread and butter. He’s so fast, he can just get by the defense and is really that deep threat. Obviously, we’re getting back in that groove, and I think the biggest thing is that consistency we all got to keep building upon.”