Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson's season has prematurely ended due to a severe knee injury, including an ACL tear and additional damage, sustained during their Week 18 loss against the Chicago Bears. This unfortunate news, initially reported by NFL Network, was confirmed by Packers head coach Matt LaFleur. The injury occurred in the second quarter on a non-contact play, leaving Watson's availability for the start of next season uncertain.
Watson, a key component of the Packers' offense, will be deeply missed. Coach LaFleur emphasized Watson's versatility and unique skill set, highlighting the difficulty of replacing a player with his combination of size and speed. LaFleur expressed his sympathy for Watson, acknowledging the significant effort he's invested. The injury impacted the opposite knee from the one that had listed Watson as questionable going into the game.
LaFleur expressed confidence in Watson's resilience and dedication to rehabilitation, predicting a strong comeback. A second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Watson recorded 29 receptions for 620 yards and two touchdowns in 15 games this season. He currently ranks second in the NFL in average yards per reception (21.4). With Watson sidelined, the Packers will look to receivers Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks, and Malik Heath to step up. The Packers (11-6), the seventh seed in the NFC, will face the second-seeded Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card Round on Sunday at 4:30 p.m. ET on FOX.
