Despite head coach Matt LaFleur providing an encouraging update on wide receiver Christian Watson’s knee injury earlier this week, the former NDSU star is not expected to be on the field when the Packers face the Vikings on Sunday in Minneapolis. a crucial NFC battle.
While his status won’t be official until 90 minutes before the 3:25 PM CT kickoff, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports Watson is unlikely to play.
#Packers WR Christian Watson (knee) is unlikely to play today #Vikingsper source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 29, 2024
Watson left Green Bay’s win over the Saints on Monday night with a knee injury, which LaFleur said Tuesday was nothing more than a knee injury.
Watson has battled injuries throughout his three-year NFL career, but he found his stride this season with a career-high 620 yards. He’s done that on just 29 catches, giving him an explosive 21.4 yards per reception.
Without Watson, quarterback Jordan Love will focus on Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks and tight end Tucker Kraft.
If Watson doesn’t leave, Green Bay will lean on its deep receiving core led by Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks.
Green Bay has already ruled out leading tackler Quay Walker (ankle), cornerback Jaire Alexander (knee), safety Evan Williams (quad) and offensive lineman Andre Dillard (concussion).