The Green Bay Packers are preparing for another NFL Playoffs experience in which very few people believe they have much of a chance of advancing. After losing their final two regular season games to finish the year 11-6, Green Bay will travel to take on the 14-3 Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card Round.
Of course, this is a very similar situation that the Packers found themselves in last year when, as the 9-8 seventh seed in the NFC, they went on the road to take on the 12-5 Dallas Cowboys. And won. Convincingly.
A big difference, though, is that the Packers went on a late-season hot streak at the end of 2023. Additionally, they got major contributors like Jaire Alexander and Christian Watson back from injury to help them upset Mike McCarthy and the Cowboys.
That will not be the case this year.
The Green Bay Packers Will Be Without Jaire Alexander and Christian Watson
Prior to their Week 18 loss to the Chicago Bears, the Packers announced that two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander will be out for the rest of the season. The former first round pick suffered a torn PCL either during or after Green Bay’s Week Eight victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars.
At first, Alexander and the team tried to get his knee healed through rest and rehab. Unfortunately, every time he tried to ramp up, it got hurt again.
There is a chance that Alexander could play in the Super Bowl should the Packers make it that far.
In addition, wide receiver Christian Watson suffered a torn ACL in the loss to the Bears on Sunday, ending his season and putting his availability for the start of next year in doubt.
The loss of Watson is a major blow to Green Bay’s offense. While he may not always put up gaudy numbers, his speed forces defense’s to respect him and dedicate more resources to covering him. This opens up the field for other players to make big plays.
Additionally, Watson is one of the best downfield blockers in the NFL. Not having him on the field to block for Josh Jacobs or his fellow wide receivers will hurt as well.
Christian Watson’s Dad Believes Green Bay Packers Tight End Luke Musgrave Should Be Used in His Son’s Role
Over the last few days, many fans and analysts have wondered aloud or on social media what free agents are available for Green Bay to sign who might help fill Watson’s role on offense. The Packers, for their part, have publicly said they are scoping the market to see who might make sense for them.
Watson’s dad, Tazim Wajid Wajed (formerly known as Tim Watson, a former Packers defensive back), believes that Green Bay already has the player they need:
PACKERS NATION… There have been lots of questions for what direction the Packers will go without Scoot in the playoffs regarding explosives and taking the top off defenses, for underneath route-concepts to operate… Well, the field-stretcher who should be used to help mitigate…
— Tazim Wajid Wajed (@NFLHitman33) January 8, 2025
The player he is referring to, as many identified in the comments on his post, is tight end Luke Musgrave, who has yet to have a big role on the offense since coming back from ankle surgery.
Fans may recall that when the Packers drafted Musgrave, it was so that he could be a fast downfield threat in the passing game. While he has not realized that potential yet, he does present Green Bay’s best in-house option.
This, of course, does not mean he should play wide receiver on every offensive play. However, he can take the top off of defense and block downfield.
Hopefully he can do so a great deal on Sunday.
More Green Bay Packers News from Wisconsin Sports Heroics
- Former Packers QB Fired; Loses HC Job Right Before Start of 2024-25 NFL Playoffs
- “I Promise I Can Play;” Packers Have Former Starter Asking for Another Shot Before Playoff Run
- “This Is Notable;” Eagles Announce Major Roster Update Ahead of Playoff Matchup with Packers
- Former Green Bay Packers WR Signs Futures Deal with the Chicago Bears
- “Someone Familiar;” Packers GM Brian Gutekunst Makes Major Free Agency Statement Before NFL Playoffs
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