Packers: When will Christian Watson return from hamstring injury?
The Green Bay Packers have ruled out wide receiver Christian Watson ahead of their season opener against the Chicago Bears, but how much time could he miss?
Losing Watson makes the Packers' job significantly harder. Jordan Love is throwing to an inexperienced receiving corps, and he has now lost his top target.
Watson didn't practice all week due to a hamstring injury and will miss the season opener. Could he return for the Packers' Week 2 game against the Atlanta Falcons? Here is everything to know.
Christian Watson injury: When will Packers receiver return?
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur spoke to reporters following practice on Friday. He was asked whether he believes Watson's injury is more of a week-to-week issue or whether he could miss three or four weeks.
"Hopefully, just a week-to-week," said LaFleur.
As ever, LaFleur didn't give much away. However, the positive is that he doesn't believe Watson will miss several games, instead leaning towards a "week-to-week" issue.
Watson was doing light stretching and jogging during Friday's practice, per ESPN's Rob Demovsky. That is hopefully another sign that his hamstring issue isn't serious.
There is no official timeline on Watson's return, but based on LaFleur's comments, there's a chance he could play in Week 2.
Green Bay Packers injury report Week 1
Six players featured on the Packers' Week 1 injury report, although only two carry an injury designation: Christian Watson and Romeo Doubs.
- WR Christian Watson (Hamstring) - Out
- WR Romeo Doubs (Hamstring) - Questionable
Watson didn't practice all week. Doubs didn't practice on Wednesday but returned on Thursday. He was a limited participant on Thursday and Friday.
Left tackle David Bakhtiari (veteran rest/knee) didn't practice all week but is expected to play. Edge rusher Rashan Gary (knee), safety Anthony Johnson Jr. (knee), and wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks (hamstring) are good to go.
Green Bay Packers schedule: Which games could Christian Watson miss?
While the Packers certainly hope Christian Watson can return in Week 2, there is always a chance for multiple weeks on the sidelines when it comes to hamstring injuries. Here are the Packers' upcoming games before their Week 6 bye:
- Week 2: @ Atlanta Falcons
- Week 3: New Orleans Saints
- Week 4: Detroit Lions
- Week 5: @ Las Vegas Raiders
Hopefully, Watson is available for all four games. Winning becomes much tougher for the Packers without their top receiver.
More Packers news and analysis
manual