Since the Green Bay Packers traded two second-round picks to move up and get Christian Watson with the 34th overall pick in 2022, two factors have been prominent for the wide receiver: First, his big-play ability. Second, though, his issues to being on the field because of frequent hamstring injuries.
During his rookie year, Watson missed a game because of a hamstring strain, then came back too early and aggravated the injury, missing two more games. In 2023, the situation was even worse. He had two grade 2 hamstring strains — right before the regular season, missing the first three games, and then against the Kansas City Chiefs, missing five more games.
After the season, the Green Bay Packers made a concerted effort to find out the main reason for the problem. And, after a couple of months, good news emerged. On X, Watson's father, Tazim Wajid Wajed, has informed that collaborating specialists found the source of the problem. With that development, Christian Watson will be able to make a more assertive treatment.
Christian Watson had a tough start of the season, not playing at the same level he did in 2022. When he was at his best, though, the Packers offense also found their peak. Watson finished the season with only nine games, putting up mediocre numbers: 28 receptions, 422 yards, and five touchdowns — all worse than he had in 2022. However, Watson was still effective when he was on the field. In receiving yards per game, Watson was a close second on the team, at 46.9, just behind Jayden Reed (49.6) and ahead of Bo Melton, Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks, and Luke Musgrave.
Watson did come back in time to play in the playoffs, but he wasn't fully integrated back in the offense. In two postseason games, the second-year receiver had just two receptions for 20 yards.
Recovery path
Right after the season, Watson had talked about his intention to find the root of his hamstring issue.
"If I can find out what kind of things can possibly be leading to it, make sure I'm doing the right things in the offseason, doing the right things during OTAs, into training camp, just find ways to make sure I'm doing everything I can to be conscious of it," Watson stressed. "That's my number one plan."
Christian Watson is still under contract with the Packers for two more seasons. He will make $1.545 million in 2024, counting $2.52 million against the salary cap, and $1.965 million in 2025, with a cap number of $2.94 million. As he ended up being a second-round pick, the Packers don't have a fifth-year option on his contract.
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