Is Christian Watson playing this week? Latest Week 5 injury updates for Packers vs. Raiders

Christian Watson made his season debut in the Green Bay Packers' loss to the Detroit Lions last week, and it didn't take long for him to find the end zone.

However, the second-year wide receiver only played 26 snaps. The Packers played it safe with his snap counts, not wanting to overdo things in his first game back from a hamstring injury.

With another week and a half to recover, the hope is that Watson will enter Week 5 closer to 100 percent. But it's important to note the Packers have their bye in Week 6. What's the latest on Watson's status for Monday Night Football against the Las Vegas Raiders?

Christian Watson injury status for Packers Week 5 game against Raiders

Christian Watson doesn't carry an injury designation and will play against the Raiders on Monday Night Football.

The Packers eased Watson back into action in his 2023 season debut. He only played 26 snaps, catching two passes for 25 yards and a touchdown. Watson was a limited participant each day of practice this week, so it's unclear whether he can play more snaps than last week.

The additional recovery time will hopefully allow Watson to play a greater share of the snaps, but how close he is to 100 percent remains to be seen. The good news is that Watson has already been removed from the injury report two days before the game.

Who would replace Christian Watson in starting lineup in Week 5?

Romeo Doubs has emerged as Jordan Love's top target this season. Despite being limited in the opening two games due to injury, Doubs still leads the Packers in targets, receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns.

The second-year receiver has built good chemistry with Love, catching 20 passes for 224 yards and three touchdowns in the opening four contests. However, there is still work to be done. A miscommunication between the two led to Love's second interception last week.

Rookie Jayden Reed is also a go-to target, having made 12 catches for 203 yards and two touchdowns so far this season.

If Watson doesn't play or is limited, expect Love to continue to target Doubs and Reed throughout the contest.

Packers next five opponents

• Week 7: @ Denver Broncos, October 22, 3:25 p.m.
• Week 8: Minnesota Vikings, October 29, 12 noon
• Week 9: Los Angeles Rams, November 5, 12 noon
• Week 10: @ Pittsburgh Steelers, November 12, 12 noon
• Week 11: Los Angeles Chargers, November 19, 12 noon

Note: All times are CT.

The Packers are on bye in Week 6. The game to circle is Week 8 at home against the Minnesota Vikings. Green Bay is 1-1 in divisional matchups this season. It's important to win at home, which the Packers didn't do against the Detroit Lions. Beating the Vikings at Lambeau Field is a must.

There are some tough quarterback matchups to come for the Packers. They take on Russell Wilson, Kirk Cousins, Matthew Stafford, and Justin Herbert in their next five games.

Packers injury report Week 5

• CB Jaire Alexander (Back) - Questionable
• S Zayne Anderson (Hamstring) - Out
• LB De'Vondre Campbell (Ankle) - Out
• S Rudy Ford (Oblique) - Questionable
• G Elgton Jenkins (Knee)
• RB Aaron Jones (Hamstring) - Questionable
• TE Luke Musgrave (Concussion)
• G Jon Runyan Jr. (Groin/Ankle)
• CB Eric Stokes (Foot) - Questionable
• OL Zach Tom (Knee)
• CB Carrington Valentine (Biceps)
• WR Christian Watson (Hamstring)

While the Packers' injury report is concerning at first look, it may not be as worrying as it seems. Christian Watson, Aaron Jones, Zach Tom, and Carrington Valentine played last week, so the hope is they will be closer to 100 percent. Luke Musgrave has cleared the concussion protocol. Jones is the only offensive starter questionable for Monday Night Football.

The Packers need Jaire Alexander to play. He will see a lot of All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams, and that becomes a far tougher challenge if the Packers' lockdown corner isn't available. Alexander is questionable.

Raiders injury report Week 5

• WR Davante Adams (Shoulder) - Questionable
• CB Jakorian Bennett (Hamstring/Shoulder) - Questionable
• DE Maxx Crosby (Knee)
• QB Jimmy Garoppolo (Concussion)
• CB Nate Hobbs (Ankle) - Out
• DE Malcolm Koonce (Groin)
• CB David Long (Ankle) - Questionable

Davante Adams is dealing with a shoulder injury that could prevent him from playing against his former team. However, it seems more likely he will play in Week 5. Adams is questionable.

Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo cleared the concussion protocol and will play, while star pass rusher Maxx Crosby doesn't carry an injury designation for the game, as expected. The Packers will need a good plan for Crosby on Monday night.

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