Latest Christian Watson update gives Packers fans hope he'll play vs. Falcons

The Green Bay Packers are dealing with multiple injuries to starters on offense.

Number one wide receiver Christian Watson, star running back Aaron Jones, and All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari are questionable to play against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 2.

Watson missed the Packers' season-opening win over the Chicago Bears due to a hamstring injury, and his status remains uncertain this week. However, after missing consecutive practices to start the week, the latest injury update is more encouraging for the Packers' star wide receiver.

Packers injury report: Christian Watson returns to practice on Friday

Having missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday, the signs weren't looking great for Watson. However, the second-year receiver returned to practice on Friday in limited fashion.

It shows he has made progress over the past seven days. The Packers had already ruled out Watson this time last week, having not practiced. But he is questionable on Green Bay's Week 2 injury report, giving him a chance to return against Atlanta.

Even if Watson is active, it's unlikely he will play a full-time role. Romeo Doubs played fewer snaps than rookies Dontayvion Wicks and Jayden Reed and the same number as Malik Heath last week. Like Watson, Doubs was returning from a hamstring injury.

But Watson making any contribution in this game would give the Packers' offense a huge boost. He only needs one play to change a game with his elite speed and athleticism.

The Packers may take the cautious approach and hold Watson out for another week. But his return to practice is a great sign moving forward. It shows he is nearing a return. Hopefully, he is cleared in time to play against the Falcons.

It didn't look great earlier in the week, but Watson's return to practice gives hope that he could make his 2023 debut on Sunday.

More Packers news and analysis