The biggest question entering Sunday’s must-win game against the Bears: Will big-play receiver Christian Watson return following a hamstring injury?
GREEN BAY, Wis. – Big-play receiver Christian Watson will be back in the lineup for the Green Bay Packers for Sunday’s must-win game against the Chicago Bears, so long as his injured hamstring is feeling strong before the game.
The Packers elevated rookie Grant DuBose from the practice squad on Saturday, though that wasn’t because Watson had a setback or the coaches were leaning toward giving him another week to get ready for a potential playoff game.
Rather, it was more for an insurance policy and general depth at the position with Watson, Jayden Reed (chest) and Dontayvion Wicks (chest) coming off injuries.
All three of those players were questionable on the final injury report.
Watson practiced on Wednesday and Thursday; he spent Friday doing rehab.
“Just to be able to go out there and get some live reps and get out there and run around a little bit was definitely huge for my confidence,” Watson said on Friday. “So, I definitely would say this is my best shot at it so far. Just got to make sure I take care of myself ’til Sunday and making sure I do everything I can.”
If Watson is back on the field, how long will it take for him to be fully back as a playmaker?
Watson missed the first three games of the season with a hamstring injury. Once back in the lineup, it took him a while to get going. In his first six games of the season, he caught only 16-of-37 targets. Aside from a 77-yard gain against Las Vegas on a blown coverage, the other 15 receptions gained 180 yards.
However, he had found his explosive, game-changing groove before the injury with five catches for 94 yards and one touchdown at Detroit and seven receptions for 71 yards and two touchdowns against Kansas City.
Not unrelated, the Packers scored two of their biggest wins of the season in those games.
Can Watson pick up from that spot – or at
least close to it?
