Christian Watson’s second year in the league has been highly anticipated by Green Bay Packers fans and fantasy football managers alike. Were the final eight weeks of 2022 a breakout for the young receiver? Could he still perform up to those levels with Jordan Love?
Unfortunately, Watson missed Week 1 of 2023 with a hamstring injury. Will he play in Week 2? Or will he still be on the sidelines come Sunday? Let’s dive in and find out the latest on Watson.
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Latest News Surrounding Christian Watson
If you are looking for positive news on Watson, you will have to keep waiting at least one more day. The second-year WR, once again, missed practice on Thursday. He has not practiced with the team all week.
Currently, Watson is listed as questionable with his hamstring injury. We will know a bit more on Friday when we see if Watson is able to return to the practice field. The Friday injury report for the Packers will also be essential for setting fantasy lineups this weekend.
Will Watson Play This Week?
Currently, I think it is starting to turn a little more doubtful that Watson will be able to take the field on Sunday when the Packers play the Atlanta Falcons. Watson first had the hamstring issue pop up a week ago in the Packers’ Thursday practice prior to their Week 1 game against the Chicago Bears.
With Watson unable to even see the practice field to this point, and with a nagging injury like a hamstring, it will be hard for him to suit up Sunday. He will only have a maximum of one practice (should he participate on Friday) under his belt in the last week before Week 2, and the Packers won’t want to force the issue with this injury.
More than likely, we won’t see Watson until their home opener against the New Orleans Saints in Week 3 at the earliest. While Watson hasn’t been ruled out, all signs are pointing to another week on the bench.
What Does This Mean for Watson’s Fantasy Ranking?
Watson is still only 24 years old. If you are in a dynasty league, his value has not shifted at all. While we may not see him this week (or even for a couple of weeks), you are in it for the long haul with Watson in dynasty formats. I wouldn’t think of him any less for this setback.
However, in redraft leagues, Watson’s injury is becoming a little worrisome the longer it lasts. It isn’t quite panic time yet, but Watson potentially missing another week is bad news for our teams early in the season.
MORE: Get the Latest Injury Updates With PFN’s Player News Tracker
But until the Packers make a longer designation, like adding Watson to the injured reserve list, I would stay the course. Watson still hasn’t been ruled out this week and has not been ruled out long term. He could very easily return for you in Week 3 should he miss Sunday.
Unless a deal is sitting in your inbox that is great value for Watson, you have to hold him for now. Don’t bite on any low offers that come in. Watson will return and help you soon enough.