Packers might be without two important weapons on Sunday
The Green Bay Packers might be without two of their best four wide receivers on Sunday night against the Minnesota Vikings. Christian Watson didn't practice again on Friday, and Dontayvion Wicks was extremely limited, according to Packers head coach Matt LaFleur. Christian Watson is the one with a lesser chance of playing, as he's officially […]
The Green Bay Packers might be without two of their best four wide receivers on Sunday night against the Minnesota Vikings. Christian Watson didn't practice again on Friday, and Dontayvion Wicks was extremely limited, according to Packers head coach Matt LaFleur.
Christian Watson is the one with a lesser chance of playing, as he's officially listed as doubtful. No Packers player with that designation has played since 2019. The second-year receiver suffered a hamstring injury during the Kansas City Chiefs game on December 3. The Vikings game would be his fourth consecutive absence — which would make the decision to not place him on injured reserve questionable in the first place.
So far, Watson has played only nine games in 2023. He's had 28 receptions for 422 yards and five touchdowns, an underwhelming statistical season after he had had a strong finish to his rookie season. It's unfortunate for the Packers, though, because Watson is an extremely valuable deep and red zone threat.
Wicks left the Carolina Panthers game early on Sunday with a chest injury. He's listed on the injury report with chest and ankle injuries, but listed as questionable — which means he still has a realistic shot at playing on Sunday. The rookie fifth-rounder is third on the team in receiving yards (520), first in average yards per reception and first in 20+ yard receptions.
"It's gonna be more conversational," LaFleur said of what Wicks has to show until the game in order to play. "We'll see where he's at and test him pregame."
On offense, tight end Luke Musgrave, running back Emanuel Wilson, and tackle Luke Tenuta, all still on the injured reserve, are listed as doubtful as well. Former All-Pro off-ball linebacker De'Vondre Campbell is also doubtful with a neck injury — he already missed the Panthers game.
More question marks on defense
Beyond De'Vondre Campbell, who will probably not play, the defense has three other players listed as questionable to play: cornerback Robert Rochell (neck), safety Darnell Savage (shoulder), and defensive tackle TJ Slaton (knee/foot).
Positive news
If Watson is unlikely and Wicks is uncertain to play, the Packers offense will have rookie Jayden Reed back. He missed the Panthers game with a toe injury and has also handled a chest issue, but he's off the injury report and good to go on Sunday.
Other players off the injury report and expected to play on Sunday are:
Offense: RB AJ Dillon (thumb), RB Aaron Jones (knee/finger), G Elgton Jenkins (shoulder/knee)
Defense: EDGE Kingsley Enagbare (toe), S Jonathan Owens (knee), LB Quay Walker (shoulder).
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