The Packers got a scare on Sunday-and not just on the scoreboard.
Early in the third quarter of their loss to the Broncos, wide receiver Christian Watson went down hard while trying to haul in a pass from Jordan Love. With All-Pro corner Patrick Surtain II draped all over him, Watson landed awkwardly and stayed down for several minutes.
Trainers rushed to his side as he clutched his left shoulder, and he didn’t return to the game. For a team already dealing with some significant injury blows, this one felt like a gut punch.
After the game, head coach Matt LaFleur didn’t sugarcoat it. He called the injury “a double whammy,” especially with the Packers already losing star defender Micah Parsons for the season to what’s believed to be a torn ACL. That’s two key playmakers potentially out in a single afternoon-not exactly the kind of news you want heading into the final stretch of the season.
But on Monday morning, Green Bay got a much-needed dose of good news. Watson underwent a precautionary CT scan at a Denver hospital, and according to reports, the results came back clean.
No significant damage to the chest or shoulder, and-perhaps most importantly-nothing that would sideline him long-term. In fact, there’s optimism that Watson could be back as soon as Week 16.
That’s a huge relief for a Packers team still very much in the playoff hunt. Watson’s blend of size, speed, and vertical threat ability makes him a crucial piece in Jordan Love’s arsenal, especially as the young quarterback continues to find his rhythm late in the season. Losing him for any extended stretch would’ve been a major blow to an offense that’s already leaned on young talent to step up in big moments.
Now sitting at 9-4-1 after the Denver loss, the Packers are gearing up for a critical Saturday showdown in Chicago. The Bears currently lead the division, and with playoff positioning on the line, this one carries serious weight.
Kickoff is set for 5:00 p.m. ET at Soldier Field, and if there’s any shot Watson can go, it’ll be a massive boost-not just for the offense, but for a team that’s trying to shake off a tough week and reassert itself in the NFC playoff picture.
For now, Green Bay can breathe a little easier. Watson’s injury looked scary, but the early signs point to a best-case scenario.