Packers news: Christian Watson provides significant injury update ahead of Week 18

Everything is on the line for the Green Bay Packers in their regular-season finale against the Chicago Bears. They could get a few injured starters back in the lineup.

Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, and Luke Musgrave practiced on Wednesday. Only Reed played in last week's win over the Minnesota Vikings, and he had to exit early due to injury.

Watson had a starring role in the Packers' victories over the Detroit Lions and Kansas City Chiefs but has missed the past four games due to a hamstring injury. The hope is that he can return in time for Sunday's win-and-in matchup at Lambeau Field.

And Watson sounded pretty confident that he will be back out there in Week 18.

Christian Watson believes he will return for Packers must-win game vs. Bears

Watson practicing this early in the week is a good sign. His comments in the locker room will give fans even more reason to be optimistic.

"My passion is playing football and now it's looking a lot like I'm going to be able to play some football this Sunday," said Watson. "I'm in a really good spot."

Players can't always be trusted with injury updates. They often say they feel fine and expect to play but then miss time, but Watson's comments sounded like he already knew he would return this week.

He is recovering from a hamstring injury, so it's unlikely the Packers will rush him into a full-time role. But having Watson available at all significantly helps the offense. His ability to stretch the field, draw attention from defenders, and make impact plays can help this group reach another level.

Hopefully, the Packers get past the Bears and clinch a playoff berth. Watson is getting healthy at just the right time to help this team make a run.

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