Green Bay Packers receiver Christian Watson injured his knee on Monday night and didn’t practice all week, but coach Matt LaFleur said the window remains “open” for Watson to play Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings.
The Packers listed Watson as questionable to play on the final injury report released Friday.
“It’s still open,” LaFleur said. “He’s getting better.”
LaFleur said on Thursday that Watson is experienced enough to play a game without practicing during the week, although it is somewhat rare for a player to not practice and still play — especially on a short week coming off a Monday night game.
Watson is believed to have a bone bruise on his knee after a defender fell on him at the end of a run in the first half against the New Orleans Saints at Lambeau Field on Monday night. He left the game briefly, returned for a stretch but eventually exited in the second half.
Watson will get roughly 48 hours to heal more and get physically ready to play.
Arguably no pass-catcher has been better for the Packers since the bye.
Since Week 11, or a span of six games, Watson leads the team in receiving yards with 387 (next closest is Tucker Kraft with 242). He has nine catches over 20 yards and four over 40, and he ranks first in the NFL in yards per catch at 29.8 and third in yards per route run at 3.37.
If Watson can’t go, the Packers would rely on Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks as the top-3 receivers. Bo Melton, who has the speed to run vertical routes, could also get more opportunities.