Packers dodged disaster with latest Christian Watson injury update.
We all feared the worst when Christian Watson went down in Sunday’s loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Some injuries look bad, and this certainly qualified for that category.
Watson might not have the elite numbers to prove it, but there’s no doubting his impact on the Green Bay Packers’ offense. His speed terrifies defensive coordinators, often forcing as many as three defenders to shift his way. Watson is the best blocker among the Packers’ receivers, and his big-play ability is undeniable. He also has a great attitude and never complains when the ball isn’t thrown his way.
All the former second-round pick needs is some good injury luck. He has worked hard to overcome—and hopefully prevent—recurring hamstring issues. His ankle injury in Week 4 was a case of bad luck. It’s football, and it happens.
However, the latest update is encouraging.
Christian Watson only suffered a ‘mild’ injury that should keep him off injured reserve
While Watson suffered a high-ankle sprain, NFL insider Jordan Schultz reports that it was only a “mild one” that shouldn’t require a trip to injured reserve.
High-ankle sprains can require a lengthy absence and can be tricky to come back from, but if the Packers don’t feel he needs to go on injured reserve, it suggests his absence will be short-term. Placing Watson on IR would force him to miss four games.
In the meantime, we can expect to see a lot more from Dontayvion Wicks.
Jordan Love targeted his second-year receiver 13 times in Week 4. Wicks struggled with drops but came up big late in the game, catching two touchdowns. Extended game time could help him find some rhythm and enjoy the breakout season many predicted.
Watson could miss time, but a mild high-ankle sprain is a far more positive update than we expected when he went down in Week 4. Hopefully, it’s a short-term absence.