Is Christian Watson playing this week? Latest Week 2 injury updates for Packers vs. Falcons
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Christian Watson missed the Green Bay Packers' season opener due to a hamstring injury. What is his status for the Packers' matchup with the Atlanta Falcons in Week 2?
Green Bay had no problem moving the ball against Chicago's defense, even without Watson, but a tougher challenge awaits this week in Atlanta. Getting Watson back would give the Packers' offense a huge boost.
Here are the latest injury updates for Watson entering Week 2.
Christian Watson injury status for Packers Week 2 game against Falcons
Christian Watson is officially questionable to play in Week 2, per the Packers' injury report. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Watson isn't expected to play.
Packers’ WR Christian Watson, listed as questionable for Sunday due to a hamstring injury, is not expected to play vs. the Falcons, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 17, 2023
The good news is that Watson returned to practice on Friday. He was limited, but it's a step in the right direction.
Hopefully, he doesn't suffer any setbacks and continues to make progress over the weekend. While it looks unlikely Watson will play in Week 2, it seems he is getting closer to a return.
Christian Watson injury history
Hamstring injuries have been an issue for Watson in his first two seasons in the NFL. The second-round pick missed three games due to hamstring issues in 2022. Watson also missed one game due to a concussion.
After frustrating injury luck with injuries in the first half of his rookie season, Watson stayed healthy down the stretch and dominated on the field, catching seven touchdowns in the final eight games.
Watson missed the season opener last week due to another hamstring injury, and he remains questionable for Week 2.
Who would replace Christian Watson in starting lineup in Week 2?
Jordan Love spread the ball around against the Bears last week. Romeo Doubs caught two touchdowns but was only targeted five times. It's worth noting that Doubs was also dealing with a hamstring issue. With an additional week to get healthier, Doubs could see that number increase this week.
Interestingly, rookie Dontayvion Wicks had more snaps than any other Packers receiver in Week 1. He didn't have a catch on two targets, but he offers big-play potential Green Bay lacked without Watson.
Packers next five opponents
Hopefully, Watson will return for Week 2 against the Falcons. Here is the Packers' upcoming schedule after this game:
- 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)
- Bye week
- @ Denver Broncos, October 22, 3:25 p.m.
- Minnesota Vikings, October 29, 12 noon
Note: All times are CT.
Packers injury report Week 2
- LT David Bakhtiari (Veteran rest/Knee) - Questionable
- WR Romeo Doubs (Hamstring)
- LB Rashan Gary (Knee)
- G/T Elgton Jenkins (Knee)
- S Anthony Johnson Jr. (Knee)
- RB Aaron Jones (Hamstring) - Questionable
- LB Quay Walker (Concussion) - Questionable
- WR Christian Watson (Hamstring) - Questionable
- P Daniel Whelan (Finger)
Falcons injury report Week 2
- LB Troy Andersen (Concussion) - Out
- CB Jeff Okudah (Foot) - Questionable
- RB Cordarrelle Patterson (Thigh)
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