The Green Bay Packers will soon begin preparations for their first-round playoff matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, but a big question is which players they will have available.
Packers coach Matt LaFleur reassured fans about Jordan Love's status after he left Sunday's loss to the Chicago Bears with an elbow injury. However, Christian Watson's injury is the greater concern entering the playoffs.
LaFleur said he wasn't "super confident" when asked for an update on Watson, who suffered a non-contact knee injury, which is always a worry.
LaFleur didn't have an update, but Love's postgame comments may tell us everything we need to know.
Jordan Love doesn't sound confident that Packers will get Christian Watson back for playoffs
When asked about Watson's injury, Love spoke about how the Packers' offense would have to adapt without him. He sounded resigned to the fact that Watson wouldn't be available.
"Christian is a phenomenal player. Other guys will have to step up and fill that void," said Love. "I'm confident that guys in that receiving room will be just fine doing that. But, yeah, it's a tough loss."
It sure doesn't sound like Love expects Watson to play anytime soon.
The immediate concern is whether Watson's season is done. It seems unlikely he will be available for the wild-card round after being carted off the field, but beyond that? That's the next worry. We can only hope Watson didn't suffer a significant injury that could impact the 2025 season.
Love is right. It's a tough loss, and one the Packers will struggle to overcome. Many point to the box score to judge Watson's impact on this offense, but it goes well beyond that. He changes everything. Defenses have to respect his speed, as Watson simply running a deep route drags defenders with him, creating openings for the other pass-catchers.
It became apparent in last week's loss to the Minnesota Vikings that the Packers lacked big-time plays through the air without Watson. They have to figure things out quickly.
The Packers take on the Eagles next week, and a win would send them to either U.S. Bank Stadium or Ford Field for a rematch with an NFC North rival. They lost at both venues this season.
Hopefully, the Packers get good news on Watson's status for the playoffs, but neither Love nor LaFleur sounded too optimistic in their postgame interviews. It's now up to them to adjust and find a plan for the postseason.