With just days to go before a crucial NFC North showdown in Chicago, the Green Bay Packers are still holding their breath on the status of wide receiver Christian Watson. After exiting last week’s loss to the Denver Broncos with a chest and shoulder injury, Watson’s availability for Saturday night’s matchup against the Bears remains uncertain-but there’s at least a flicker of optimism.
On Tuesday, head coach Matt LaFleur initially sounded cautious, noting the injury involved both the chest and shoulder area and saying the team would wait until gametime to make a call. But by Wednesday, the tone had shifted slightly.
According to multiple reports, LaFleur shared that Watson is “fighting to play” and is expected to get in some limited work during practice. That’s a small but meaningful step forward from his “Did Not Participate” designation just a day earlier.
Still, “limited” doesn’t mean locked in. NFL fans know that a player can go through the motions in practice and still be a gameday scratch.
The Packers are in a tough spot here. Watson’s big-play ability is a real asset, but so is his long-term health.
If he’s not close to 100%, forcing him back could do more harm than good-not just for this week, but for the rest of the season.
The Packers will have to weigh that risk carefully. If Watson can manage the pain and perform at something close to full speed, there’s no doubt he gives Jordan Love’s offense another dimension. But if he’s limited in mobility or can’t handle contact, Green Bay may have to lean on its young receiving corps to step up again.
Fortunately for the Packers, they’ve got some depth. Romeo Doubs and Jayden Reed have both shown they can make plays in key moments, and Matthew Golden is coming off a solid performance against Denver, hauling in three catches for 55 yards. It’s not the same vertical threat that Watson brings, but it’s enough to keep defenses honest-especially if Reed continues to be a dynamic presence in the slot.
For the Bears, Watson’s status adds a layer of complexity to their defensive prep. The last time these two teams faced off, Watson torched Chicago’s secondary with four catches for 89 yards and two touchdowns.
He was a matchup nightmare-stretching the field, beating defenders off the line, and creating big plays after the catch. If he suits up, the Bears will need to account for him on every snap, both underneath and over the top.
But if he doesn’t play, it does simplify things a bit. Chicago can shift more attention toward Reed and Doubs, possibly bringing more pressure or disguising coverages without the constant threat of Watson blowing the top off the defense.
As kickoff approaches, all eyes will be on Green Bay’s final injury report. This game carries weight for both teams-division pride, playoff implications, and the always-heated Packers-Bears rivalry. Whether or not Watson is on the field could play a big role in how this one shakes out.