Green Bay Packers receiver Christian Watson is ‘unlikely’ to play against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday at US Bank Stadium, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
Watson suffered a knee injury in Monday’s game against the New Orleans Saints, did not practice this week and was deemed unable to play in Week 17. While coach Matt LaFleur left the door open for Watson to play even though he didn’t practice, the injury was solemn and a bone bruise in his knee is expected to keep him out of the NFC North game in Minneapolis.
Without Watson, the Packers will enter Sunday with Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks as their top three wide receivers, and Bo Melton will be able to take more snaps in a complementary role. Luke Musgrave returns to the Packers’ offense, playing a complementary role behind Tucker Kraft tardy in the game.
The Packers, who have clinched a playoff berth, finish the 2024 regular season at home against the Chicago Bears. LaFleur’s team will hit the road to face the division winner in the first round of the NFC playoffs.
In week four, Watson suffered an ankle injury after nine plays and missed the rest of the contest and the following week.
In 14 games, Watson had 29 catches for 620 yards and two touchdowns. He averaged a career-high 21.4 yards per catch and 11.9 yards per target, and since his bye, he leads the team in receiving yards (387).
If Watson doesn’t play, the Packers will be without a preferred starter on offense and three preferred starters on defense (Jaire Alexander, Quay Walker, Evan Williams).
