Christian Watson set to face familiar concern after finally getting back on track
The Green Bay Packers had a major loss in their massive Week 13 win that stings even more when factoring in the last few weeks of the season. Packers second-year wide receiver Christian Watson had a slow start to the 2023 season due to a hamstring injury but started turning the corner over the past […]
The Green Bay Packers had a major loss in their massive Week 13 win that stings even more when factoring in the last few weeks of the season.
Packers second-year wide receiver Christian Watson had a slow start to the 2023 season due to a hamstring injury but started turning the corner over the past three games.
However, the young wide receiver went down in the fourth quarter on Sunday Night Football against the Kansas City Chiefs after re-aggravating the same hamstring.
"We'll know more tomorrow but certainly it's unfortunate," Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said after the win. "I think his play has really taken off and I think that's been a big catalyst for our offense. I hope it's not too long. He's a dynamic player and certainly it took him a minute to get going. But once he gets going you guys see the results."
Watson suffered from a similar injury since before the start of the season that continued to linger for the young wide receiver. The injury forced Watson to miss the first three weeks of the season and clearly held his game changing speed back during his first few games back in the lineup.
From Weeks 4-10, Watson had just 14 receptions for 236 yards and one touchdown. The main complaints came from the number of interceptions thrown Watson's way and the production he was creating compared to his fellow pass catchers. Despite the unideal start filled with so many struggles, LaFleur kept faith that Watson would turn the corner.
“I think he just needs to go out there and play fast, play decisive and play confident,” LaFleur said back in November. “Because he’s a guy that has all the ability. He’s a big guy that can run, and we need him to show that every opportunity on tape."
Packers quarterback Jordan Love was a another prominent name who stressed that he has full trust in the Packers' electric target and noted he will continue to look Watson's way in the passing game.
"My message to Christian is just keep your confidence, don't let any of that stuff ever [make] your confidence waver or anything like that," Love said. "I got complete trust in Christian. I know he knows this, but I trust all my receivers. The ball's going to come out regardless. Just keep that confidence."
The backing from his new quarterback certainly paid off over the last three games. In his previous two games, Watson totaled seven receptions for 115 yards and two touchdowns.
On Sunday, Watson was putting together an incredible game hauling in seven receptions for 71 yards and two touchdowns before leaving the game with his hamstring injury.
Watson was injured on a play after converting a first down with a little over three minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Watson appeared to pull up on the way in order to stay in bounds and keep the clock running, which resulted in the injury to the same hamstring he injured earlier in the season.
Watson had one touchdown on the season entering Week 11 despite having nine total touchdowns during his rookie season. He looked like he was finally playing at a top level again and appeared to be fully healed but now the injury has reared its ugly head once again.
We all now how impactful a hamstring injury can be for players at this position and how long such injuries can impact their performance on the field, especially with Watson's history. Let's hope this recent flare up isn't too serious for him.
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