The Green Bay Packers are taking a trip to Atlanta to take on the Falcons in Week 1. After beating the Chicago Bears 38-20, they look to improve to 2-0. Head coach Matt LaFleur provided some important injury updates in his Friday Press conference.
Christian Watson and Aaron Jones are officially questionable
The Packers were without WR Christian Watson in Week 1 when they faced the Bears at Soldier Field. However, a huge game from Aaron Jones led to a win against their rivals. Unfortunately, Jones hurt his hamstring on a long touchdown reception and did not return to the game.
Jones did not practice during the week, but reports after the game suggested that the injury was not too serious and that Jones could have gone back in if the score dictated. Watson was ruled out prior to last week’s game but is questionable in Week 2.
Both Jones and Watson have had the close eyes of Packers fans all week. Neither player practiced until Friday, when Watson actually participated on a limited basis, according to LaFleur. Jones, however, did not practice with the team. While both players are questionable, it seems like the likelihood of Jones playing is less than Watson, who missed last week’s game.
Even if both players suit up on Sunday, fans should not expect full workloads. Although Romeo Doubs played through his injury last week and caught two touchdowns, he did not have a full workload in terms of snaps. Watson will likely be eased back in if he plays, and Jones will likely be limited with AJ Dillon getting more work.
How injuries will impact Green Bay
The Falcons are also coming into the game 1-0. The Packers are looking to stay atop the NFC North but will be shorthanded. The injury to Watson is impactful but not as impactful as the injury to Jones. The Packers just beat the Bears without Watson playing a snap, but their offense seemed to run through Jones.
If Jones is unable to suit up, the team will rely heavily on Dillon. The Packers have a lot of faith in Dillon, who has made plenty of plays for the team in his career, but the versatility that Jones provides will be missed.
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