Allen Lazard rallies around Packers rookie WR Christian Watson

No one presumably felt worse than Christian Watson after the Packers rookie wideout dropped a would-be 75-yard touchdown pass on Green Bay’s first offensive play of the game in Sunday’s 23-7 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.

Relegated to the sidelines after suffering an injury during training camp after a defensive lineman stepped on him, Allen Lazard, Green Bay’s top receiver, did his best to lift Watson’s spirits following the unfortunate play.

"I was like, 'It's a drop; who cares? Stereotypical first play of your NFL career – a go ball that you let go through your hands,'" Lazard told reporters after Wednesday’s practice. “'Yeah, it sucks right now, but you're going to get a thousand more opportunities to be able to capitalize so don't dwell on the moment and stay positive and know that 12's going to come back to you.'"

Without Lazard, the Packers’ passing offense struggled against the Vikings.

Rodgers, who completed 22 of 34 passes for 195 yards, no touchdowns and an interception, had to target his running backs more than usual with no receiver gaining more than 37 yards receiving. Sammy Watkins and Randall Cobb averaged six and seven yards per reception, respectively, while Watson, Robert Tonyan and Aaron Jones combined to catch just of their 15 targets.

Rodgers’ 67.7 passer rating was his lowest since the 2021 season opener against the New Orleans Saints, and his 16.1 QBR was his lowest since Oct. 18 of 2020 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

While Lazard was a limited participant in Wednesday’s practice, he appears to be trending toward a return.