Packers’ Matt LaFleur – Christian Watson’s knee injury a bruise

GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Packers could have receiver Christian Watson for Sunday’s game against the Vikings, even after he left Monday night’s win over the Saints with a knee injury.

Tests Tuesday showed no structural damage to his left knee.

“We have good news about him,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur said. “So (it was) more just a bruise. It was when the guy fell on him on the sideline.”

Asked if Watson could play against the Vikings, LaFleur said, “Potentially.”

“You still have to be able to function,” LaFleur said. “So we’ll see how he trains this week and see where we’re at.”

Watson’s injury occurred at the end of a 14-yard end-around run in the second quarter of the 34–0 victory. Saints defensive backs Alontae Taylor and Kool-Aid McKinstry landed on Watson as he went off the field on the Packers’ sideline. Watson briefly received medical attention and missed the remainder of the drive, but returned on the next possession. He played seven more plays after the injury, including four in the third quarter, before being done for the night.

“I went back in and it felt okay,” Watson said after the game. “But it just kind of stuck and I just couldn’t play the type of football I wanted to play, so I just had to shut it down.”

Watson ranks just sixth on the team with 29 catches, but is second in receiving yards with 620 and is averaging an eye-popping 21.4 yards per carry. receipt.

The Packers are dealing with a few other injuries this week, mostly in the secondary. Safety Evan Williams suffered a quad injury in practice Saturday and was a late scratch against the Saints.

“We’ll hopefully get him back,” LaFleur said of Williams. “Hopefully in time for the playoffs.”

Zayne Anderson, primarily a special teams player, started in Williams’ place and recorded his first career interception. Cornerback Jaire Alexander missed his fifth straight game with a lingering knee injury and nickel defensive back Javon Bullard was out for his second straight game with an ankle injury.

Linebacker Quay Walker also did not play against the Saints because of an ankle injury he suffered the previous week against the Seahawks.

The Packers’ first practice of the week will be Wednesday afternoon. LaFleur said he plans to give the players the morning off to spend some time with their families this Christmas, but then it’s back to work.

“You would love to give them a day off,” LaFleur said. “I don’t think it’s possible in this situation. You have a six-day work week, you have to go to Minnesota. … It’s the National Football League and you have to get ready for the next opponent.”

The Packers (11-4) clinched a playoff spot with Monday’s win. They can’t win the NFC North, but Sunday’s game against the Vikings (13-2) could still affect the NFC playoffs.

“It’s going to be a big challenge for us and a challenge that I honestly think we need because we’re going to be on the road in the playoffs,” LaFleur said. “This is going to be a playoff atmosphere and a playoff game.”