Matt LaFleur gives update on Packers’ injuries after win vs. Saints

On By Littum

After the Green Bay Packers’ 34-0 victory on Monday night football over New Orleans Saintshead coach Matt LaFleur answered a few uncomfortable questions about the health of his roster.

Receiver Christian Watson left the game with a knee injury that caused him to visit the blue medical tent, although he was able to walk off the field under his own power. Watson then returned to the field, momentarily before dropping out for the second time.

LaFleur stated that “there is some concern” about Watson’s situation. Apparently, the decision to pull Watson a second time was made by the coaching staff, who didn’t feel Watson could “play the type of football” they expected, so they “shut it down.” According to The Athletic’s Matt SchneidmanWatson stated that he is “hoping for the best” in the locker room after the game.

The head coach also noted that running back Josh Jacobs – who was slightly hobbled – was ready to return for the game against the Saints, but the coaching staff did not feel the situation called for the receiving back to be at less than full health.

Safety Evan Williams did not play for the Packers today after injuring his quad in practice this week. He was listed as questionable entering the game, but LaFleur claimed after the game that Williams will be out for “a period of time.” He hopes the safety is back when the postseason rolls around.

If Williams is out, the Packers will have to decide who to play in the slot going forward. If it’s rookie Javon Bullard who was out today, then Williams’ replacement at safety would likely be Zayne Anderson, who made his first career start tonight. If Bullard replaces Williams at safety, then that will mean cornerback Keisean Nixon will play in the slot, assuming he is healthy.

In one short week, Green Bay is staring at a massive matchup against their division rival Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. The only way the Packers can work their way up to the fifth seed in NFC playoffs is about to beat Minnesota. If they lose to the Vikings, they will no longer be in control of the sixth seed in the NFC, for that long Washington’s commanders beat Atlanta Falcons on Sunday night football.

Hopefully they can get a little healthier before Wednesday when they begin their training preparations for the Vikings.