The bad luck keeps coming for Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson, as he suffered yet another injury on Sunday, December 14, this one coming against the Denver Broncos is a game with major implications for the coming NFL playoffs.
Watson took a hit on a deep pass from Jordan Love in the third quarter, after which he left the field and a few minutes later made his way to the locker room for further evaluation from the Packers’ medial training staff.
“WR Christian Watson (chest) is questionable to return,” Green Bay posted to its official X account.
Pat Surtain, Broncos cornerback and reigning Defensive Player of the Year, intercepted the pass attempt. The turnover ultimately led to a Denver touchdown that cut the lead to just two points in the middle of the third quarter.
Packers Pass-Catching Group Has Battled Serious Injury Issues All Season Long
GettyGreen Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson.
Watson’s absence, for as long as it lasts, robs the Packers’ offense of its best vertical deep threat, which changes the way head coach Matt LaFleur can call the game and the options Love will have within the scheme as Green Bay moves forward.
Case in point, the Packers’ next drive lasted just six plays and gained just 11 yards before a third-down sack by the Broncos defense forced a punt and put the ball back in the hands of the Denver offense with a chance to take the lead.
Wide receiver Jayden Reed returned in Week 14 after a three-month absence due to surgeries to repair his foot and collarbone. However, tight end Tucker Kraft is out for the year with an ACL injury, and Watson’s return following an ACL tear he suffered in January was a boon for a Packers offense that has struggled with injuries and offensive line play for much of the campaign.
Watson had 25 catches for 452 yards and five touchdowns in seven games played heading into Sunday’s game in Denver.
Packers Will Battle With Bears for NFC North Division Lead in Week 16 Regardless of Outcome Against Broncos
GettyGreen Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur.
The Chicago Bears (10-4) blew out the Cleveland Browns in Week 15 following a seven-point loss to the Packers at Lambeau Field on December 7.
Should the Packers defeat the Broncos, they will maintain the half-game lead in the NFC North Division that they gained by defeating the Bears last weekend. Should Green Bay lose the contest, they will fall out of first place.
Either way, the Packers will play for the division lead against the Bears again on Saturday, December 20. Meanwhile, the Detroit Lions are losing by double-digits to the Los Angeles Rams in the second half of a road contest on Sunday and will fall to 8-6 with a loss in that contest.
That means that the winner of next weekend’s contest between the Packers and Bears will control their own destiny for the division crown heading into the final two weeks of the season. That team will also remain in the mix for the No. 1 overall seed in the NFC.
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