Jordan Love‘s tenure as the Packers‘ full-time starting quarterback will have a bit of a hurdle to navigate this week. In his first start since November 2021, Love will be without the team’s top returning receiver Christian Watson, according to Rob Demovsky of ESPN.
Watson is dealing with a hamstring injury that could potentially lead to an extended absence. Head coach Matt LaFleur claimed that he doesn’t think Watson will reach a three- or four-week absence but classified the second-year wideout as week-to-week.
The top target in Watson’s absence, fellow sophomore receiver Romeo Doubs, is also dealing with a hamstring injury but is only listed as questionable heading into the weekend. Rookie wideout Dontayvion Wicks is the third such receiver on the team dealing with a hamstring injury, but he managed to avoid the injury report altogether. Star tackle David Bakhtiari is also available after staying off the injury report.
Here are a few more reports on wide receiver injuries from around the league heading into Week 1:
- The world will have to continue to wait for the NFL debut of Texans wide receiver John Metchie III, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2. Despite making a recovery from both a torn ACL and leukemia, Metchie is still dealing with a nagging hamstring injury. Houston is being patient, taking a “big-picture approach” to Metchie’s return. The team will be without safety Jimmie Ward and linebacker Blake Cashman for Week 1, as well.
- The Panthers are slowly working their way back to full health in their receiving corps, according to Panthers writer Augusta Stone. Back ups Terrace Marshall and Ihmir Smith-Marsette are now fully participating in practice after recent injury trouble. Starters Adam Thielen and D.J. Chark Jr. both returned to practice today in a limited capacity. While Thielen was listed as questionable and could still play, Chark has been ruled out for the team’s season opener.
- The Commanders drew lots of criticism when leading receiver Terry McLaurin sustained an injury as the team played its starters fairly deep into a preseason game in an effort to end the Ravens’ preseason win streak. They’ll dodge a bullet, though, as McLaurin will be active this week after making good progress from his turf toe injury, according to Commanders senior writer Zach Selby. He’s had a couple of full participation practices and should be good to go for Week 1. Defensive end Chase Young has been listed as questionable, though. Head coach Ron Rivera claimed that “if (Young’s) cleared, he’ll go.”
- Despite undergoing wrist surgery just two and a half weeks ago, Seahawks rookie first round pick Jaxon Smith-Njigba is expected to play in the team’s season opener against the Rams this Sunday, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Head coach Pete Carroll, who was optimistic on the recovery timeline, confirmed as much this week.
Not a good sign with Watson..again.
Yeah, injuries aren’t looking good for him. I don’t think that he’s in much danger of losing a spot on his return-the Packers need all of their receivers to get opportunities so they can prove themselves. The Packers just need some consistency there, and Watson offers size-speed to be the outside wideout they need.
Doubs being injured again certainly doesn’t help, but the silver lining (in some fashion) is that, though we think of them as the leading receivers, neither of these guys were really established in the league. The Packers will not have to compensate for an All-Pro starter. If their young players have some talent, they might be able to come in and offer similar ability if Green Bay is lucky. It’s not a prediction that I’m making, just one thing to consider. We think of those two as being the lead receivers, but they’re fairly young, themselves.
I meant that this is year 2, and it’s starting out similar to year 1. Injured. He’s likely the best/most talented they have, but it’s tough as a fan feeling like he’s only going to play 11 or 12 games a year.
Hopefully I’m wrong and he turns into iron man, and quick.
Oh, I agree. I was just adding to what you said. I did not mean to imply that you were incorrect. My apologies.
We good. And, in addition to his sketchy availability, it’s not like we can expect (or hope, even at an infinitesimal level..) GB to draft 1 in the 1st round next year who MIGHT be able to help right away.
It’s Jayden Reed Time! If Watson’s not careful and doesn’t stay healthy, he will be surpassed by this year’s draft class, i.e., Wicks and Heath. Talent and draft capital don’t count for much if it can’t see the field. Having said that though, I’m sure the Packers will give Watson plenty of opportunities to succeed.