Packers to be without Sammy Watkins for least four weeks

The Green Bay Packers have placed wide receiver Sammy Watkins on injured reserve, meaning he will miss at least four games.

The Green Bay Packers will be without veteran wide receiver Sammy Watkins for a minimum of four games.

Due to a hamstring injury, the Packers have placed Watkins on injured reserve.

The injury must have been significant enough that Green Bay determined he wouldn’t be back over the next four weeks.

He won’t be eligible to return from injured reserve until four games have been played, meaning he can’t return until Week 7, when Green Bay takes on the Washington Commanders on the road.

This is bad news for the Packers’ offense, as Watkins showed last week his ability to make big plays. Watkins led the team in receiving against the Chicago Bears, catching three passes for 93 yards.

So, the question now is who starts opposite Allen Lazard. Lazard will line up on the outside, but with Randall Cobb playing mostly in the slot, there will be more snaps available for the young wide receivers.

Second-round pick Christian Watson could be next in line for a featured role, although he is questionable to play this week due to a hamstring injury.

If Watson is out, fourth-round rookie Romeo Doubs could see an increase in snaps.

With Watkins not available to play, Green Bay announced it has elevated wide receiver Juwann Winfree from the practice squad to the active gameday roster.

We will likely see a lot of Lazard, Watson, and Doubs on Sunday afternoon against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. If Watson is out, maybe Winfree or second-year Amari Rodgers will get more opportunities. Cobb could also see an increase in targets in the coming weeks.

Should the Packers sign a veteran wide receiver with Watkins out for the next four weeks?