Is Christian Watson playing this week? Latest Week 10 injury updates for Packers vs. Steelers

Green Bay Packers
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Christian Watson has been in and out of the lineup this season due to injury. He exited the Green Bay Packers' win over the Los Angeles Rams last week after making an excellent catch. Watson only caught one pass last week but had made a significant contribution to the game with his blocking.

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said they believed Watson hadn't suffered a concussion but is dealing with multiple injuries.

What's the latest on Watson's status for the Packers' matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 10?

Christian Watson injury status for Week 10 game against Steelers

Update: Christian Watson has been removed from the injury report and will play against the Steelers.

Watson suffered back and chest injuries against the Rams and was also evaluated for a concussion.

But there's good news. Watson didn't suffer a concussion and cleared the protocol. He also practiced in full on Wednesday. The injury report says he is dealing with a back injury, but LaFleur said there are no long-term concerns. According to LaFleur, Watson was a "full go."

That's the best-case scenario. Watson appeared to be in a lot of pain when he exited last week's game, so it's great that he isn't expected to miss any time.

Back injuries can be unpredictable, as we've seen with Jaire Alexander this season, but it seems that Watson has avoided anything significant, giving him an excellent chance to play at 100 percent this week.

Christian Watson injury history

Watson missed the opening three games of the regular season due to a hamstring injury. He returned in a limited role in Week 4 before seeing his snap counts increase in the following games. Hamstring issues also bothered Watson in his rookie season, forcing him out of three games.

He suffered a concussion against the Buffalo Bills in his rookie year. It limited him to only six snaps in that game, but he cleared the concussion protocol and returned for the following week's matchup against the Detroit Lions.

Watson hasn't had much luck with injuries in his first two seasons with the Packers. When he had a run of games at full strength last year, he dominated, scoring eight touchdowns in the final eight games of the regular season.

Who would replace Christian Watson in the lineup?

Dontayvion Wicks is the player to watch. Romeo Doubs and Jayden Reed are already starters, but Wicks would step into Watson's role if he misses time. Wicks has already made a strong case for more opportunities, and he is fourth among Packers wide receivers in snaps this season.

Green Bay drafted Wicks in the fifth round this year, and he has already shown huge upside with his excellent separation ability. He hasn't played perfectly -- Wicks made a costly drop against the Minnesota Vikings -- but that's common for young receivers.

Wicks' role in Matt LaFleur's offense is already trending up. If Watson misses any time, the fifth-round rookie would likely start and see an increase in snap counts.

Packers next 5 opponents

  • Week 11: Los Angeles Chargers, November 19, 12 noon
  • Week 12: @ Detroit Lions, November 23, 11:30 a.m.
  • Week 13: Kansas City Chiefs, December 3, 7:20 p.m.
  • Week 14: @ New York Giants, December 11, 7:15 p.m.
  • Week 15: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, December 17, 12 noon

Note: All times are CT.

The Packers finally ended their four-game losing streak last week against the Rams, but they could face another if they don't beat the Steelers. Their next three opponents are the Los Angeles Chargers, Detroit Lions, and Kansas City Chiefs. Those teams are a combined 17-8 this season.

Packers injury report

  • CB Jaire Alexander (Shoulder) - Doubtful
  • DL Kenny Clark (Shoulder) - Questionable
  • S Rudy Ford (Calf) - Questionable
  • T Yosh Nijman (Back) - Questionable
  • G Jon Runyan Jr. (Neck) - Questionable
  • LB Quay Walker (Groin) - Doubtful
  • C Josh Myers (Knee) - Questionable

Steelers injury report

  • S Minkah Fitzpatrick (Hamstring) - Out
  • DT Montravius Adams (Ankle) - Out

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