The Green Bay Packers want Christian Watson back. When I say “back,” I’m referring to the record-breaking stretch he had in 2022. In addition to his 102.5 True Catch Rate (No. 7), Watson was a touchdown machine. From Weeks 10 to 13, he was a top-10 fantasy receiver and caught all seven of his reception touchdowns.
Having a weapon like that on the field on a consistent basis would be a game-changer for this offense. Hamstring injuries have plagued Watson’s short career, however, there may be a path forward.
The Green Bay Packers Get Major Update On Christian Watson’s Health
According to a report from Heavy On Packers:
The Packers feel like they have a better understanding of Watson’s injury issues after he underwent a body scan at University of Wisconsin-Madison earlier this offseason, Wes Hodkiewicz of Packers.com reports.
Hamstring problems resulted in multi-game absences three times during Watson’s first two NFL seasons, and he was removed early from other contests with a concussion (Week 8 of 2022), chest injury (Week 9 of 2022), hip injury (Week 16 of 2022) and back/chest injury (Week 9 of 2023).
It’s a worrying list of medical problems for someone with only 953 career snaps — essentially one season’s worth — but Watson has mostly been effective when available, catching 69 of 119 targets for 1,033 yards and 12 touchdowns and taking 11 carries for 91 yards and two additional scores.
The 2022 second-round pick is part of one of the deepest group of pass catchers in the league, with Green Bay having six players who recorded over 350 receiving yards last season, all of them rookies or second-year pros.
Watson’s 4.36 speed is unique among that group, but durability and workload concerns remain a significant part of the fantasy equation even if the Packers are feeling more optimistic about his chances of staying relatively healthy in 2024.
Packers’ QB Jordan Love to WR Christian Watson for the touchdown to extend their lead 29-14!!!pic.twitter.com/2Uy4nJdwUS
— NFL Talk (@NFL_Talk_Sports) November 23, 2023
What Getting Watson Back Would Mean For This Team
Compared to his second season, Watson’s rookie season was better. With an average of 15.1 yards per reception, Watson caught 28 passes for 422 yards and five touchdowns. Jordan Love targeted him 53 times. It wasn’t until late in the season that Watson and Love clicked.
The Packers should have big plans for Christian Watson, who is only 24. Their reluctance to trade him last season was due to his potential in this league. It was widely reported that the Indianapolis Colts wanted Watson in return for star running back Jonathan Taylor.
Hopefully, Watson can turn it around next season, as long as he stays healthy. He still has two years left on his rookie deal.
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