Christian Watson Questionable for Week 17 Clash vs. Ravens with Illness, Shoulder Injury
As the Packers gear up for a high-stakes Sunday night showdown against the Baltimore Ravens, one of their key offensive weapons is officially questionable. Wide receiver Christian Watson has been added to the injury report with both an illness and a shoulder issue, casting doubt on his availability for Week 17.
Watson didn’t practice on Wednesday or Thursday due to the illness, and now it appears his status will come down to a game-time decision. That’s a tough break for a Green Bay offense that’s been gaining momentum - and one that looks a lot more dynamic when No. 9 is on the field.
Since returning from the torn ACL that ended his previous season, Watson has shown flashes of the explosive playmaker the Packers hoped he’d be when they took him in the second round. He’s caught 30 passes for 498 yards and five touchdowns this year, and when he’s healthy, he’s been a red-zone threat and a deep-ball weapon. He’s scored in three of the nine games he’s played this season, including two multi-touchdown performances - a reminder of just how dangerous he can be when he’s rolling.
If Watson is unable to go or is limited, the Packers will need to lean more heavily on Romeo Doubs, rookie Matthew Golden, and others to carry the load in the passing game. Doubs has been a steady target all year, and Golden continues to carve out a role, but Watson’s speed and size are tough to replicate.
There’s also growing confidence in Jayden Reed, who’s quietly become a go-to option in recent weeks. Since returning from injury, Reed has racked up 12 catches for 121 yards over his last three games.
He hasn’t found the end zone during that stretch, but the volume of targets suggests it’s only a matter of time. He’s getting open, he’s making plays, and he’s clearly earned the trust of the coaching staff.
With playoff implications hanging in the balance and the Ravens bringing one of the league’s toughest defenses to Lambeau, every weapon counts. Green Bay is favored at home, but Watson’s availability could be a swing factor in how this one plays out.
Jordan Love is officially questionable for Saturday night against the Ravens.
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) December 25, 2025
Christian Watson and Sean Rhyan have seemingly picked up the illness that’s going around the locker room and are also questionable.
Full game status report: pic.twitter.com/Ag4qlR8WFg
We’ll know more as kickoff approaches, but for now, the Packers - and their fans - will be holding their breath.