Is Christian Watson playing this week? Latest Week 1 injury updates for Packers vs. Bears

The Green Bay Packers begin their season against the Chicago Bears in Week 1, but star wide receiver Christian Watson has been ruled out.

Watson surprisingly appeared on the Packers' Week 1 injury report on Wednesday due to a hamstring issue. It's a concern for Green Bay's new-look offense, as Watson is one of Jordan Love's go-to targets.

Here is everything you need to know about Watson's status for the season opener.

Christian Watson injury status for Packers Week 1 game against Bears

The Packers have ruled out Christian Watson for their season opener against the Bears due to a hamstring injury.

Watson didn't practice all week, and the Packers made the smart decision with their star wide receiver.

ESPN's Rob Demovsky reported that Watson "did some light stretching and jogging" during Friday's practice. Hopefully, that means Watson is making progress and won't miss much time.

Christian Watson injury history

Watson's rookie season is best remembered for his dominant final eight games, but he dealt with frustrating injuries in the first half of the year.

He missed three games due to a hamstring injury. Watson sat out of the Packers' Week 3 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but returned for the following game. However, Watson reinjured his hamstring and missed two more games in Weeks 6 and 7.

Watson returned in Week 8 against the Buffalo Bills but had to leave the game early after suffering a concussion. He returned in Week 9 and played every game the rest of the season.

Who will replace Christian Watson in Packers starting lineup?

Doubs and rookie Jayden Reed are the other starting wide receivers for the Packers, but Doubs' hamstring injury complicates things. The Packers have listed Doubs as questionable to play in Week 1.

Undrafted rookie Malik Heath and second-year Samori Toure could see an increase in snaps, while rookie tight end Luke Musgrave could become Jordan Love's top target in the passing game.

Green Bay may also need to lean heavily on its rushing attack if Watson is unable to play, leading to more carries for Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon.

Packers next five opponents

The Packers will need Watson back for the upcoming stretch of games to begin the season. Here are Green Bay's next five opponents after its season opener:

• @ Atlanta Falcons, September 17, 12 noon
• New Orleans Saints, September 24, 12 noon
• Detroit Lions, September 28, 7:15 p.m. (Thursday Night Football)
• @ Las Vegas Raiders, October 9, 7:15 p.m. (Monday Night Football)
• @ Denver Broncos, October 22, 3:25 p.m.

Note: All times are CT.

Packers injury report Week 1

• LT David Bakhtiari (Veteran rest/Knee)
• WR Romeo Doubs (Hamstring) - Questionable
• EDGE Rashan Gary (Knee)
• S Anthony Johnson Jr. (Knee)
• WR Christian Watson (Hamstring) - Out
• WR Dontayion Wicks (Hamstring)

Bears injury report Week 1

• DB Jaquan Brisker (Groin)
• LB Dylan Cole (Hamstring) - Questionable
• DB Eddie Jackson (Ankle)
• DL DeMarcus Walker (Calf)

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