The Green Bay Packers start training camp practices today. Earlier in the weekend, they had announced that Christian Watson would start camp on the PUP, and Sammy Watkins was on the non-football injury list. In his opening press conference at training camp, general manager Brian Gutekunst offered updates on these players.
Related: Brian Gutekunst announces major news regarding David Bakhtiari’s injury status
Sammy Watkins
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gray/THRTB64W7VAL5BBKZGBNQ5MTDQ.JPG "Christian Watson & Sammy Watkins Injury Update from Packers 1")
While Gutekunst did not offer any clarity on the nature of Sammy Watkins’ injury, he did emphasize that it is going to be a very short-term thing:
Gutekunst on Sammy Watkins/PUP: "Sammy is a very short-term thing. I think you'll see him out there very soon." #Packers
— Wes Hodkiewicz (@WesHod) July 27, 2022
This is certainly good news, considering the one major concern of Sammy Watkins’ signing was his health and that Christian Watson also remains sidelined. The eight-year NFL veteran has not played a full regular season’s worth of games since his rookie year back in 2014. Last season, Watkins played in 13 games and had 27 receptions for 394 yards and a touchdown. It was easily the worst season of his career. The 27-394-1 stat line consisted of career lows in each category.
Of course, the Baltimore Ravens, whom Watkins played for last season, are a run-first offense. It stands to reason that any wide receiver would see their numbers fall in that system. For comparison, Randall Cobb had 28 receptions for 375 yards and five touchdowns in just 12 games. If Watkins can stay healthy, he can certainly put up better numbers and revive his career.
Related: The Packers place nine players, including Mason Crosby, on the PUP list
Christian Watson
As for Christian Watson’s injury and presence on the PUP list, the Packers have some cautiously good news. Per Gutekunst, the team and Watson decided that he should have a procedure during the offseason instead of pushing through the injury during the season.
Brian Gutekunst says Sammy Watkins' appearance on NFI is a "very short-term thing," and Christian Watson will "miss a little bit of time" after a procedure this offseason. #Packers and Watson decided to do it now instead of pushing the rookie WR through the season.
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) July 27, 2022
To be clear, when Gutekunst said that Christian Watson would “miss a little bit of time,” he meant that he would miss time in training camp. The Packers do not think he will miss any regular season games as a result of this injury.
Gutekunst confirmed that Sammy Watkins won't be out long. As for rookie WR Christian Watson, he may be out a little longer, but he doesn't think it's anything to be concerned about long term.
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) July 27, 2022
The Packers Will Wait for Christian Watson’s Return
After news broke that Julio Jones signed with the Buccaneers, many wondered if the Packers would explore the FA market. After all, reports stated that they were in the running for Jones’ services.
However, per Rob Demovsky on Twitter, the Packers “really like” the group of receivers that they have. They will not be in the market for any more help at the position and will await the return of Christian Watson and Sammy Watkins.
One more from Packers GM Brian Gutekunst …
He said he's not looking to add a veteran WR at this point in part because there's not a lot out there right now and he "really likes the group we have."
— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) July 27, 2022
This means that the Packers roll into camp with Allen Lazard, Amari Rodgers, Cobb, Romeo Doubs, Samori Toure, Malik Taylor, Juwann Winfree, and Danny Davis as their healthy wide receivers. Additionally, the Packers signed USFL wide receiver Osirus Mitchell. Hopefully, Christian Watson and Sammy Watkins will not be out long.
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