Christian Watson injury update: Matt LaFleur gives latest on Packers WR ahead of Week 16 vs. Bears

The rest of season outlook for the Green Bay Packers changed with Sunday’s loss to the Denver Broncos. Green Bay’s came out of Denver with injuries to several key playmakers, including wide receiver Christian Watson.

Watson was hospitalized after the 34-26 defeat to the Broncos. Watson, who left the game early in the third quarter due to a chest injury, was evaluated at the hospital and traveled home with the team.

Head coach Matt LaFleur on Tuesday addressed Watson’s status for Saturday’s Week 16 road game against the Chicago Bears. LaFleur said that Watson, along with other banged-up Packers such as right tackle Zach Tom and safety Evan Williams, will push to play against the Bears.

“This injury list is pretty substantial, so we’ve got a lot of things to figure out over the next couple of days,” LaFleur said.

Watson’s injury occurred as Watson was attempting to catch a deep pass from quarterback Jordan Love. Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II was covering Watson and both players went for the ball. Surtain intercepted the ball and Watson landed hard on his left shoulder.

Christian Watson one of many injured Packers

Watson returned to the lineup in late October after starting the season on injured reserve/physically unable to perform list. The 26-year-old tore his ACL during the Packers’ final 2024 regular season game against the Bears. Watson has 28 receptions for 481 yards and five touchdowns, Green Bay’s most explosive wideout since his return.

Green Bay has dealt with several injuries on offense. Tight end Tucker Kraft tore his ACL last month. The receiving core has been banged up though in Week 14, their top five wideouts were active for the first time this season. Now, Watson’s status will be one to watch this week.

“Since Christian’s been back from his rehab, he’s done some great things and been that explosive playmaker that we needed,” Love said after the game. “With him going out, I think we still got plenty of depth in that receiver room and other guys that played plenty of ball and can step up and make plays. I think we’ll have no problem filling that void if he’s got to miss time.”

Watson wasn’t the only Packer to leave the game Sunday. All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons suffered a left knee injury in the fourth quarter. Parsons tore his ACL tear, ending his season. Green Bay dropped to 9-4-1 on the season with the loss to the Broncos. They currently occupy the seventh and final playoff spot in the NFC.