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GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – DECEMBER 07: Head coach Matt Lafleur of the Green Bay Packers looks on before the game against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field on December 07, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
The Green Bay Packers‘ woes were compounded on Sunday night, when they found out that amidst their 34-26 loss to the Denver Broncos; who now go a full game clear at the top of the AFC conference; that star edge rusher and three-time All-Pro, Micah Parsons, has likely suffered a torn ACL that would see him miss the remainder of both the regular and postseason.
Perhaps the bigger question mark surrounded the status of wide receiver, Christian Watson, who was taken out of the game in the third quarter after suffering a chest injury during Patrick Surtain II‘s interception of Jordan Love’s deep ball attempt.
Watson was hospitalized on Sunday before flying back with the team; a move that had many concerned about both his wellbeing and a potential injury that could see him ruled out for the foreseeable future.
Packers WR’s Injury Could Be Less Bad Than Originally Thought
However, according to Sports Illustrated’s Jacob Westendorf, the injury may not be as serious as it seemed.
“A source told Packers On SI that big-play receiver Christian Watson, who had been a key part of Green Bay’s offensive improvement, suffered a shoulder injury and it’s not out of the realm of possibility that he’ll be available for Saturday night’s game against the Chicago Bears.” Westendorf wrote the morning after the game.
This report was subsequently confirmed by ESPN’s Rob Demovsky who echoed Westendorf’s reports concerning the injury’s severity.
Update on Christian Watson: No issue with his lungs, per source. He went to the hospital yesterday in Denver for a CT scan as a precaution. He does not have any long-term injury. His status for Saturday’s game against the Bears will be determined later in the week.
“Update on Christian Watson: No issue with his lungs, per source.” Demovsky wrote on X. “He went to the hospital yesterday in Denver for a CT scan as a precaution. He does not have any long-term injury. His status for Saturday’s game against the Bears will be determined later in the week”.
The team also saw both safety, Evan Williams and right tackle, Zach Tom, come off the field this past weekend after suffering knee injuries.
Christian Watson Has Become An Integral Part Of The Packers’ Offense
This is exceptional news for both the Packers and Watson, who may well have been expecting the worst after seeing the dire update on Parsons.
Indeed, in the aftermath of Sunday afternoon’s game, medical professionals speculated that Watson may have suffered a clavicle fracture or joint injury, which in turn could have lead to a far more lengthy layoff.
Instead, there is potential for Watson to return for Saturday’s critical matchup against the Chicago Bears, who are currently half a game ahead of the Packers atop the NFC North.’
Although the loss of Parsons was no doubt a devastating blow, the Packers’ offense looked like a totally different unit after Watson had to leave the game. Green Bay managed just three more points post Watson leaving very early in the third quarter, with the team accruing just 55 yards of net offense in that time span.
Since returning from his ACL tear last January against Chicago, Watson has shown himself to be a legitimate threat – and now with far more polished, distinguished route-running capabilities. And despite the team’s plethora of options at receiver, the former second round pick has stood out above the rest since coming back last month.
Daniel Arwas Daniel Arwas is a sports writer who covers the NFL for Heavy.com. Daniel began his career in sports writing in 2022 and has covered the NFL and college football for Gridiron Heroics and The Hammer. More about Daniel Arwas
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