The Green Bay Packers are facing an uphill battle after a tough loss to their division rivals, the Chicago Bears, and the even tougher news about their standout wide receiver, Christian Watson. Head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed that Watson’s season is over due to a torn ACL sustained in Sunday’s game.
LaFleur summed it up simply: “Yeah, it’s not good. He’ll be out for this season or the rest of the year.” Those words hit hard for the Packers, as Watson has been a crucial part of their offensive machinery.
In Sunday’s clash, quarterbacks Jordan Love and Malik Willis also had injury scares. Love exited the game in the second quarter after a rough landing affected his throwing arm. Meanwhile, Willis toughed it out through the rest of the game but worried fans when he dinged his throwing hand against a Bears player’s helmet during one of the game’s final series. LaFleur reassured fans somewhat, saying, “I talked to both of those guys. They seem to be doing all right, but as far as their limits, I think they’re going to be OK, but we’ll find out over the next two days.”
Watson’s injury was particularly heartbreaking, given his struggles to recover from a previous knee issue that kept him out against Minnesota a week earlier. This new injury, which occurred during a noncontact play, was a major blow for the Packers. Watson, who had been a significant deep threat, averaging 21.4 yards per catch, was delivering strong numbers with 620 yards and two touchdowns on 29 catches this season.
Jordan Love shared his feelings after the game, reflecting on Watson’s unyielding spirit and unfortunate injury timing: “That’s a tough one. Obviously, I’m not sure the exact circumstances, but just seeing it on the field, him going down noncontact like that, it’s tough. It’s really tough, especially Christian trying to bounce back from what he’s been dealing with and to be able to go out there and have that happen, it’s tough. I feel for Christian.”
The timing couldn’t be worse as the Packers prepare to face the Philadelphia Eagles in the playoffs, and Watson’s absence looms large. Beyond this season, Watson’s recovery may also extend into next season, complicating matters further as he approaches the final year of his rookie contract. The Packers will need to rally and adapt quickly as they continue their journey without one of their top offensive weapons.
