As the second season begins, Christian Watson's campaign is ending.
The Packers receiver is believed to have suffered a torn ACL and additional damage, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Monday, per sources. The injury ends Watson's 2024 season and creates an uncertain timeline to return for the start of the 2025 season.
Coach Matt LaFleur confirmed Watson's injury on Monday.
Watson suffered the injury during the Packers' loss to the Bears at Lambeau Field on Sunday, requiring a cart to transport him to the locker room.
Watson has endured a number of ailments during his three professional seasons, appearing in just nine games in 2023 due to a nagging hamstring issue that began during training camp. He'd dealt with a knee issue in 2024, appearing hobbled during the Packers' blowout win over the Saints in Week 16 before missing Green Bay's Week 17 loss to Minnesota. He returned for Sunday's game against Chicago, playing 10 snaps before suffering the knee injury.
His season ends with 29 catches for 620 yards and two touchdowns in 15 games. As his team embarks on what they hope will be a deep playoff run, Watson will be forced to watch from home, focusing on a recovery and rehabilitation process that will occupy the majority of the time from now until the start of the 2025 season.
