Matt LaFleur announces WR Christian Watson ruled out, Romeo Doubs questionable for Bears game

It’s official. Packers quarterback Jordan Love will be without receiver Christian Watson in Green Bay’s season opener.

And, Romeo Doubs is listed as questionable. These two are the most experienced wide receivers on the roster. As Love starts his first game at quarterback in the post-Aaron Rodgers era, he’ll need to readjust where he throws.

The Packers open on the road Sunday against the Bears. Coach Matt LaFleur announced the injury updates at a press availabilty Friday afternoon.

Packers’ HC Matt LaFleur said WR Christian Watson is out for Sunday’s opener vs. Chicago and WR Romeo Doubs will be listed as questionable.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 8, 2023

With Christian Watson definitely out, it’s also unclear how much Doubs could even play if the Packers decided to use him against the Bears.

Doubs returned to workouts, Thursday, for the first time in two weeks. Both Watson and Doubs are nursing tender hamstrings. Offensive tackle David Bakhtiari also hasn’t practiced this week. That was to give his knee more rest.

“He took a couple of reps within each team period and the routes on air,” said LaFleur, the Packers coach, of Doubs after Thursday’s practice. “And he looked good.”

Doubs also talked with reporters after practice. He’s not sure if he’ll see action in the Packers opener.

“Everything is progressing the way I’m supposed to do and everything that I’m supposed to do, I’m executing it the right way,” Doubs said. “However, this is a day-to-day thing. As far as my health, I will leave that up to Coach LaFleur. I thought (Thursday) was pretty good.”

Packers already knew receivers would be green, even before injuries to Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs

Meanwhile, it’s unclear when Watson suffered his injury. LaFleur didn’t offer any details when reporters asked him about Watson earlier in the week. He did practice last week, but wasn’t on the field for the Packers the past few days.

And it goes without saying that Love would prefer his top two receivers be on the field with him as the Packers start the season. Both Doubs and Watson are in their second years in the NFL. As rookies, the two receivers combined for 83 catches, 1,036 yards and 10 touchdowns, with Rodgers as the quarterback. Watson also missed three games last year with a bad hamstring.

Even before the injuries, the Packers knew they’d have a green group of wideouts. Samori Toure is the only other receiver on the roster who has played in any regular season games. The rest of the receivers are rookies. The group includes second-round pick Jayden Reed, who is the likely starter in the slot.

The Packers could elevate from their practice squad, which features two receivers. But one of those options is a rookie, the other was active for only two games last season.

LaFleur told reporters Wednesday, “We’ve got a plan in place, and we’ll play the guys that are available and ready to go. The one thing about this league is nobody cares. You’ve got to find a way to get it done, and I think our guys have taken that mindset no matter who’s out there. The expectations remain the same — and that is to go out there and play winning football. So, we’ll get our guys ready to go.”