Christian Watson Questionable for Week 16, Packers May Lean on Jayden Reed Again
Packers are listing RB Josh Jacobs and WR Christian Watson as questionable for Saturday night’s game in Chicago.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 18, 2025
The Green Bay Packers could be without one of their top playmakers on Saturday night, as wide receiver Christian Watson is listed as questionable heading into a key Week 16 matchup against the Chicago Bears. Watson exited last week’s game against the Denver Broncos after sustaining chest and shoulder injuries, playing just 40.9 percent of the team’s offensive snaps before being ruled out.
Watson has expressed his desire to suit up this weekend, and while that’s a promising sign, his availability remains uncertain. If he’s able to go, the Packers would be getting back a dynamic vertical threat who’s been heating up in recent weeks - especially against this very same Bears team.
#Packers WR Christian Watson said the goal is to play Saturday against the Bears.
— Dominique Yates (@RealDYates) December 17, 2025
"We're at the point of the season where you've got to fight through some stuff, so should be good." pic.twitter.com/vNFIKSz2At
Since returning from an ACL injury that sidelined him early in the season, Watson has re-established himself as a go-to target for quarterback Jordan Love. In just eight games, he’s hauled in 28 passes for 481 yards and five touchdowns.
That includes a standout performance in Week 14 against Chicago, where he torched the Bears’ secondary for four catches, 89 yards, and two scores. His ability to stretch the field and win contested catches has made him a key piece in the Packers’ evolving offense.
But with Watson’s status still up in the air, Green Bay may once again turn to rookie wideout Jayden Reed to shoulder more of the receiving load. Reed has quietly emerged as a reliable option since returning from injury himself.
Over the last two games, he’s been targeted 10 times, catching nine of those for 86 yards. While he hasn’t found the end zone during that stretch, Reed’s usage suggests he’s gaining trust in the offense - and he’s looked like the most consistent receiver on the field.
Reed hasn’t scored since Week 1 against the Lions, but the opportunities are starting to line up. With Watson potentially limited or sidelined, Reed could see an even larger share of the targets, particularly in red zone situations where his route-running and quickness can be difference-makers.
The Packers are still very much in the playoff hunt, and every game down the stretch matters. Whether Watson is active or not, the offense will need to stay sharp against a Bears defense that’s shown flashes of improvement but remains vulnerable in the secondary.
If Watson can suit up and replicate his Week 14 performance, it would be a major boost. If not, expect Jayden Reed to be heavily involved - and possibly overdue for a trip to the end zone.