The Green Bay Packers announced that wide receiver Christian Watson suffered an ACL tear, according to NFL.com.
NFL fans are showing their support for the third-year wide receiver, who is believed to have suffered a torn ACL and some additional damage to his knee during Green Bay’s Week 18 loss to the Chicago Bears, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported.
What Does Christian Watson’s Injury Mean for the Packers’ Offense?
It was the dreaded non-contact injury. Watson finished the 2024 season with 29 catches for 620 yards and two touchdowns.
Watson has struggled to regain the form he showcased for a brief moment as a rookie. In Weeks 11-13 of 2022, he rattled off a pair of 100-yard games with seven touchdown receptions on 27 targets. Since then, he has had three 100-yard games and seven touchdown catches on his résumé across 131 targets.
Only time will tell how productive he can be as he progresses through rehab, but in the short term, Dontayvion Wicks projects as the next man up. Comparing his profile this season with Watson, he has the potential to give this offense the type of deep threat they need access to if they are going to upset the second-seeded Eagles.
It’s an admittedly small sample, but Wicks’ aDOT is 26.7% higher with Watson off the field, and he is a much more trusted weapon in scoring situations (12.7% of his targets without Watson have come in the end zone, up from 1.8% with him on the field).
Philadelphia boasts the second-lowest opponent completion percentage on deep passes, and that makes stretching the field an uphill battle for Jordan Love without Watson, but Wicks has shown enough to think that he can help fill the void.
NFL Fans Comment on Watson’s Bad Fortune
NFL fans across the country commented on Watson’s bad luck, with some showing support.
“Horrible news!!! Going to be a long off season for dude. So sorry man!”
Horrible news!!! Going to be a long off season for dude. So sorry man!
— Agent Z (@ZiggyTheAvatar) January 6, 2025
Some fans vented their frustration at Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, questioning why Watson played in a meaningless Week 18 game, given his injury history.
“Christian watsons season is over after he goes down with a non-contact knee injury. so glad lafleur didn’t rest him in a meaningless week and let him reaggravate his injury and end his year,” complained another.
christian watsons season is over after he goes down with a non-contact knee injury. so glad lafleur didn’t rest him in a meaningless week and let him reaggravate his injury and end his year 👍🏻
— Harry (@HWedwaldt) January 5, 2025
Even fans from other teams offered their support.
“Prayers up man feel bad for the guy. Helluva talent just unfortunate injuries,” a Detroit Lions fan responded.
Prayers up man feel bad for the guy. Helluva talent just unfortunate injuries
— Lions 15-2 (@MaizenLions) January 6, 2025
A lot of Packer fans were not happy that LaFleur even played Watson in a meaningless game to end the season.