UPDATE: Packers WR Christian Watson has a torn ACL in his right knee and will miss the rest of the season, Green Bay head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed Monday.
"It's a big-time loss," LaFleur said. "Just his presence on the field alone. He's so versatile in his ability to play multiple positions."
"I hurt for him," LaFleur said. "I obviously hurt for our team, but just more for him just because I know what he's put into this thing."
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport was the first to report the news.
Watson missed last week's game against the Minnesota Vikings because of a bruise on his other knee. LaFleur said Watson asked the coaches if he could play if he practiced Friday, which he did in a limited capacity.
"He came to us on Friday, I think it was, and just said, 'Hey if I go out and practice today can I be up?'" LaFleur said. "There was a lot of discussion into it. Unfortunately it wasn't even his knee that was bothering him. It's just an unfortunate circumstance that transpired."
"There was a lot of discussion," LaFleur said again. "I'll leave it at that."
LaFleur added that he "thinks" quarterbacks Jordan Love and Malik Willis will be good to go this week. Love left the game with an elbow injury; Willis came in to replace him and was banged up, though he did finish the game.
The Packers travel to Philadelphia to take on the Eagles Sunday at 3:30 p.m. in the NFC Wild Card playoffs.
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ORIGINAL REPORTING: Packers wide receiver Christian Watson is believed to have torn his ACL and suffered "additional damage" to his right knee, according to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport.
Sources: #Packers standout WR Christian Watson is believed to have torn his ACL and suffered additional damage, ending his season and putting the beginning of 2025 in jeopardy.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 6, 2025
A frustrating reality for that talented pass-catcher. pic.twitter.com/KgVXQY2QM2
This injury would keep Watson out for the playoffs and put his 2025 season in jeopardy. Typical recovery time for an ACL tear is 9-12 months.
Watson went down with a non-contact injury in the second quarter of Sunday's game against the Bears. He was carted to the locker room and did not return to the game.
Christian Watson getting carted off of the field.
— Kelly Hallinan (@kellyhals) January 5, 2025
Has his head in his hand as he goes to the #Packers locker room.
Watson just told us on Friday how he was feeling good about where he’s at and was ready to play some football. @NBC26 pic.twitter.com/ndtx4KLyKu
The 25-year-old had a career-high 620 receiving yards, averaging 21.4 yards per reception on just 29 catches during the 2024 regular season. He also caught two touchdowns.
Watson has one more year left on his contract before becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2026, according to Spotrac.
