Packers: Matt LaFleur ‘cautiously optimistic’ Christian Watson will play
The Green Bay Packers are hoping to have rookie wide receiver Christian Watson back from injury in Week 8 against the Buffalo Bills.
Green Bay Packers second-round pick Christian Watson has been dealing with a hamstring issue throughout his rookie season and it has sidelined him for the past two games.
With injuries piling up at wide receiver, the Packers will hope to have Watson back in the lineup when they take on the Buffalo Bills this weekend.
Head coach Matt LaFleur hasn’t ruled out a potential return this week.
Packers: Matt LaFleur doesn’t rule out Christian Watson return
According to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic, LaFleur said that he is “cautiously optimistic” that Watson will be able to play this week against the Bills.
Matt LaFleur is “cautiously optimistic” that Christian Watson will play Sunday night against the Bills.
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) October 28, 2022
If Watson does play, it won’t be surprising if he is on a snap count to not risk making his hamstring worse. But even if Watson can only play a small part in the game, he can make a difference.
Defenses have to respect Watson’s speed and deep-threat ability, and he helps open up the rest of the offense.
With no Randall Cobb and Allen Lazard looking likely to miss this game, getting Watson back would be great news for the Packers ahead of an important matchup.
Watson has only featured in four games for Green Bay this season and has missed the past two. The rookie has caught seven passes for 52 yards while rushing three times for 19 yards and a touchdown.
It hasn’t yet been the rookie season Watson would’ve hoped for, but injuries have held him back. If he can get back to 100 percent, Watson can make a difference for the Packers’ offense in the second half of the season.
Hopefully he will be good to go on Sunday Night Football against the Bills.