The Green Bay Packers will be without one of Jordon Love's top targets for the foreseeable future, but the situation could have been much worse for wide receiver Christian Watson.
According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, sources say Watson avoided an ankle fracture during last weekend's game against the Minnesota Vikings. Instead, he sustained a high ankle sprain.
Watson will be out for multiple weeks, and the Packers could potentially put him on Injured Reserve. However, he should be able to return in time for a potential playoff run.
Christian Watson potential high ankle sprain
You hate to see this for a guy who worked so hard all off-season
*Average missed time is 2.5 games
*44% of WRs miss 0-1 games
*40% miss 2-4 games#GoPackGo pic.twitter.com/UHgSNxYu6L
— Edwin Porras, DPT (@FBInjuryDoc) September 30, 2024
The injury occurred during the first quarter of the 31-29 loss to the Vikings.
Quarterback Jordan Love, making his return from an injury sustained in Week 1, threw a pass toward Watson over the middle. Linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill dove in and collided with the Packers receiver while snagging the interception.
It was during the process of the play that Watson's leg got trapped underneath Grugier-Hill's body. His ankle twisted to the left, and he remained on the ground after the play.
.@k_grugierhill gets his hands on the INT!
📺: @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/iJVu45ANrt
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 29, 2024
The Packers medical staff took Watson off of the field on the cart. The team ruled him out for the remainder of the game as Jayden Reed, Tucker Kraft, and Dontayvion Wicks served as Love's top targets.
The Packers fell into a 28-0 deficit during the first half of the game, but the team mounted a furious comeback after a special teams miscue by the Vikings. The Packers scored a touchdown before halftime and then added another 22 points in the fourth quarter.
The Vikings were able to hold on for the narrow victory by tacking on a field goal and then causing multiple turnovers in the fourth quarter. Two missed field goals by the Packers also contributed to the game's outcome.
Watson, a second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, appeared in 14 games as a rookie. He caught 41 passes for 611 yards and seven touchdowns. He added two more scores on rushing plays.
The former North Dakota State receiver only appeared in nine regular-season games of his sophomore campaign due to lingering hamstring issues. He still accounted for five touchdowns as a receiver as the Packers reached the postseason in Love's first season under center.
Watson appeared in the first four games this season. He caught five passes for 80 yards and one touchdown.
