Should Packers place Christian Watson on injured reserve?
As rookie wide receiver Christian Watson continues to deal with a hamstring injury, would it be a smart move for the Green Bay Packers to place him on injured reserve?
Rookie wide receiver Christian Watson has dealt with hamstring injuries throughout the season. Should the Green Bay Packers place him on injured reserve?
Doing so would give him four weeks to get healthy.
A week ago, head coach Matt LaFleur said it was possible they would shut Watson down for a while to give him time to recover.
As of yet, the Packers haven’t placed Watson on injured reserve.
LaFleur said there has been consideration for shutting Christian Watson down for some time because of his recurring hamstring injuries.
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) October 14, 2022
The second-round pick didn’t play in last week’s loss to the New York Jets, and it doesn’t appear he’ll be ready to return in Week 7 against the Washington Commanders.
Watson has missed practice both days this week, which suggests he’ll be out again on Sunday.
Had the Packers placed Watson on injured reserve last week, he would have to miss the next three games before being able to return.
It’s not an easy decision. There’s no doubt Watson has an impact on offense for the Packers, even when the ball isn’t thrown in his direction. His speed helps open up the offense.
By placing him on injured reserve, Watson would have to miss the next four games. Perhaps the Packers don’t feel he’ll be out that long.
At 3-3, every game is important. If they placed him on IR this week, he wouldn’t be able to return until Week 11, when Green Bay hosts the Tennessee Titans.
Ultimately, it’s a decision for Matt LaFleur to make with the medical staff. Only they know the risks of Watson playing sooner rather than later, and whether injured reserve would be the best option.
Whether he ends up on IR or not, hopefully Watson will be able to return in the near future.