Romeo Doubs returns to Packers practice while Christian Watson remains sidelined

Jordan Love and the rest of the Packers offense received some good news/bad news for Thursday’s practice.

Romeo Doubs returned to workout. But Christian Watson still isn’t back. Both are nursing tender hamstrings. Bill Huber, who covers the Packers for Sports Illustrated, reported that offensive tackle David Bakhtiari started workouts on the stationary bike. Green Bay’s injury report from Wednesday listed Bakhtiari as a non-participant.

Until Thursday, Doubs had missed the past two weeks of practice.

Romeo Doubs is practicing. Didn’t see Christian Watson. David Bakhtiari’s on a bike again for the start of practice. pic.twitter.com/3moiDnbf4t

— Bill Huber (@BillHuberNFL) September 7, 2023

It’s unclear when Watson suffered his injury. Packers coach Matt LaFleur wouldn’t offer any details when reporters asked him Wednesday. He practiced last week. But hasn’t been able to do so this week as Green Bay preps for its season opener against the Bears.

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

Even before the injuries, the Packers were going to have a very young group of receivers on the field. 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, including second-round pick Jayden Reed, who is the likely starter in the slot.

The Packers may 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.”