The Green Bay Packers expect to have second-year wide receiver Christian Watson back soon, but it’s unclear if there will be enough time for him to play against the New York Giants on Monday night.

Watson hurt his hamstring again and left the Kansas City Chiefs game early in the fourth quarter last Sunday. On Thursday, the offensive playmaker didn’t practice, but he shared a promising development.

Talking to the media, Christian Watson said his injury is not as severe as the one he suffered earlier this season. The previous one made him miss the first three games of the season. Watson, though, said he doesn’t know if playing on Monday is doable.

“He’s getting the treatment,” Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said. “Hopefully it’ll be sooner rather than later.”

The injury comes at a time in which Watson was playing his best football. After a disappointing start to his season, the wide receiver is coming from his two best games of the year.

He had five receptions for 94 yards and a touchdown against the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving, and seven receptions for 71 yards and two scores versus the Chiefs. With Watson playing at a high level, the offense is automatically more explosive.

History of injuries

Since the Packers drafted Christian Watson in last year's second round, the wide receiver has handled multiple injuries. He underwent a minor surgery in June 2022 to repair a knee tear.

During last season, he missed three games because of a hamstring sprain. In October, in week 8, he concussed. And, this year, it's his second hamstring issue. In October, he also sustained a knee injury against the Denver Broncos, but didn't missed time because of it. 

Other offensive injuries

The good news: running back Aaron Jones returned to practice on Thursday. The bad news: he was a limited participant, as expected, and it’s still unclear if he will be able to go on Monday.

Tight end Luke Musgrave is on the injured reserve for at least two more games, so it’s certain that he won’t play against the New York Giants and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The earliest he can come back is for the Carolina Panthers game in week 16.

Running back AJ Dillon (groin), guard Elgton Jenkins (shoulder), and wide receiver Jayden Reed (chest) were all limited at practice. However, tight end Josiah Deguara, who missed the last three games with a hip injury, was a full participant.

After positive sequence, Packers offense receives even better news

Aaron Jones returned to practice