Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson is believed to have torn his ACL and suffered additional damage to his right knee, according to reporting from Ian Rapoport of NFL Network on Monday.
The significant injury will end Watson’s 2024 season and put the start of his 2025 season in jeopardy. A 2022 second-round pick, Watson will face a major injury hurdle while entering a contract year in the final year of his rookie contract in 2025.
Watson was injured while running a route in the second quarter of Sunday’s loss to the Chicago Bears. He went down without contact and required a cart to be moved from the sideline to the locker room.
Packers coach Matt LaFleur wasn’t confident in the injury status post-game on Sunday. The worst-case scenario was revealed Monday.
The team’s top vertical threat, Watson caught 29 passes for 620 yards and two scores in 2024. He averaged 21.2 yards per catch, the second-best mark in the NFL. He also averaged 11.7 yards per target, ranking third among NFL players.
Watson suffered a bone bruise on his left knee on Dec. 23 against the New Orleans Saints. He missed one game but returned for the season finale, in part due to receiver Romeo Doubs not playing due to an illness.
The Packers face the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Wild Card Round on Sunday. Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, Malik Heath, Bo Melton and Doubs will be the team’s receiving group to open the postseason.