Christian Watson injury: Packers WR ends game, questionable to return vs. Saints

Christian Watson left Monday Night Football in the third quarter of the Packers game against the Saints with an injury. He was considered doubtful to return.

Watson looked beat up in the first half after taking an explosive play near the Packers’ goal line in the second quarter. He was taken to the medical tent but was eventually allowed back into the game. It is unclear if the injuries are related.

The ESPN broadcast featured Watson appears to have his right knee looked at at by medical staff on the sidelines.

He had two rushes for 23 yards at the time of his exit. Watson didn’t record a reception, but his team outscored New Orleans 21-0 while he was on the field.

Injuries have been a problem for Watson throughout his young career. In three seasons, he has been unable to stay healthy for a full season and was forced to play in just nine games during the 2023 season.

In 2024, Watson has largely stayed healthy after playing in 14 games, catching 29 passes for 620 yards and two touchdowns for the Packers this season. Aside from his touchdown numbers, his receiving and receiving totals are career-bests.

Although he has yet to have his first 1,000-yard receiving season, he has surpassed that mark during his career. Across three seasons, he has 98 receptions for 1,653 yards and 14 touchdowns. He scored 12 touchdowns over the first 23 games of his career, but has only scored two in 2024.

While Watson may not be able to continue, the Packers will look to finish strong in this Monday Night Football game – clinching a spot in the NFC playoffs and joining fellow NFC North rivals the Detroit Lions and Minnesota The Vikings, as a team that has already cemented their spots in the postseason.

A win would improve the Packers to 11-4 overall and set up a final two-week stretch of the regular season against the Vikings and Chicago Bears.