Is Christian Watson out for the season? Injury update on Packers WR for Fantasy Football Week 5
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson suffered a lingering hamstring injury last year. This offseason, the 25-year-old worked to fix a leg muscle imbalance that caused soft tissue injuries.
Despite those efforts, Watson injured his ankle in the first quarter of Sunday's Week 4 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. The Green Bay Packers, whose starting QB just returned, can't afford to lose another key offensive weapon in their division race against the undefeated Vikings.
Watson is in his third NFL season and has missed 29% of his professional games due to injury. While this latest setback likely couldn't have been prevented, it makes life difficult for the Packers.
When Jordan Love nursed an injured knee, Watson's production declined. This season, the 25 year old has five catches for 80 yards and one touchdown.
Christian Watson injury update: What happened to Packers WR?
Christian Watson suffered a high-ankle sprain in the first quarter of Sunday's matchup against the Vikings. The North Dakota State product went to make a catch and fell backward, causing his left leg to become trapped underneath Minnesota's Kamu Grugier-Hill.
Following the collision, Watson grimaced but walked to the sidelines. He was then carted to the locker room for further evaluation.
On Tuesday afternoon, NFL Insider Jordan Schultz reported on X that Watson has a mild high ankle sprain. He appears to have avoided significant damage and isn't listed on Injured Reserve, which is good news for Green Bay.
"Packers WR Christian Watson has a high-ankle sprain, but I'm told it's a mild one, and he is "unlikely" to land on IR. That is really good news for both the Packers and Watson, especially considering how serious the injury initially appeared."
If the Packers did place Watson on Injured Reserve, the receiver would miss at least four games. His current status indicates he could return to the field reasonably soon.
The Green Bay Packers are 2-2 after four weeks of regular season play. They are preparing for a Week 5 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.