Packers’ Matt LaFleur Drops 2-Word Message on Christian Watson’s Potential Return
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Packers wide receiver Christian Watson.
The Green Bay Packers are 3-1-1 and in first place in the NFC North. The Packers are coming off a 27-18 win over the
Ahead of Week 7, the status of wide receiver
Watson returned to practice following the team’s bye week, and there was hope he would play in Week 7 against the Cardinals.
On Thursday, head coach Matt LaFleur offered a brief answer when asked if they would bring Watson back this week.
“We’ll see,” LaFleur said, via Matt Schneidman of The Athletic.
Christian Watson’s Practice Return is Encouraging
While Watson’s status remains up in the air, LaFleur did add that Watson has “looked great” in his return to practice.
“He looks great, it’s just trying to build up where we feel comfortable for him to perform….and also where he feels he has enough practice in as well,” LaFleur said on Thursday.
Matt LaFleur when asked about Christian Watson potential return this week: “We’ll see…..he looks great its just trying to build up where we feel comfortable for him to perform….and also where he feels he has enough practice in as well.”
A video surfaced on Wednesday of Watson running routes at practice, and the Packers WR looks like he could be ready to take the field sooner rather than later.
Brandon McManus normally kicks Wednesdays, but he’s in sweats and sneakers today. Lucas Havrisik is suited up to kick.
Devonte Wyatt, Lukas Van Ness and Zach Tom not practicing. Anthony Belton returned to practice. Dontayvion Wicks also practicing.
Here’s Christian Watson, who
Watson, who was selected in the second round of the 2022
He played just nine games in 2023 due to injuries, catching 28 passes for 422 yards and five scores.
In 2024, he played in 15 games, but managed just 29 catches for 620 yards and two touchdowns, so there is still room for improvement for the young WR.
Currently, tight end
Could Watson’s Return Signal a WR Trade?
With Watson returning at some point, whether it is this week or next, and the NFL Trade Deadline approaching, it could make sense for Green Bay to trade a wide receiver.
While Doubs’ name has surfaced again in rumors, the New York Giants reportedly have inquired about a WR trade with the Packers.
The report mentions Watson, Doubs and
Whether or not the Packers make a trade remains to be seen, but the WR room will be even more crowded once Watson returns.
While the hope is that Watson can return and make his 2025 season debut against the Cardinals, if it doesn’t happen this week, the next game takes place on Sunday Night Football against the
All in all, Watson’s return is imminent, and clarity should be provided in the coming days.
Raiders’ Star Maxx Crosby Pops Up on Injury Report vs. Chiefs
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Las Vegas Raiders' star pass rusher Maxx Crosby popped up on the injury report.
Just a few days before Sunday’s clash against the Kansas City Chiefs, Las Vegas Raiders’ star pass rusher Maxx Crosby unexpectedly had his name pop up on the injury report due to a back injury.
Crosby, who was not on the injury report until Friday, does not have a game status for Sunday’s game.
#Raiders DE Maxx Crosby was added to the injury report. He was limited with a back injury but doesn’t have a game status.
Maxx Crosby x Patrick Mahomes
GettyPatrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs hugs Maxx Crosby #98 of the Las Vegas Raiders.
Everyone knows how important Crosby is for the Raiders, and if he isn’t a full go on Sunday, it’s going to be extremely difficult to stop Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs.
Mahomes commented on his rivalry with Crosby, saying, “A ton of respect.”
“When I talk to him outside of football, it’s like we’re friends,” Mahomes added. “You wouldn’t even see what happens on the football field. But he’s the type of competitor like me. When you get on the football field, it’s whatever it takes to win and you’re going to leave everything on the football field. I have a ton of respect for that.”
Crosby also shared his thoughts on Mahomes in the latest episode of The Silver and Black Show:
“He’s one of the greatest to do it, period. …He’s an incredible competitor, an incredible player, and I feel like we have a special relationship because we’re very similar in many ways when it comes to being obsessed with winning and that competitive nature when you refuse to lose. He’s one of those guys, so every time we see each other, we’re both on that same page for sure.”
Mahomes has the Raiders’ number, with a 27:4 touchdown to interception ratio in games against the Raiders since Crosby joined the team back in 2019.
Knowing Crosby, he’ll likely be on the field Sunday, even with the recent back injury, but it’s a long shot for another star player on the Raiders.
Brock Bowers Slated to Miss His Third Game in a Row
GettyBrock Bowers #89 of the Las Vegas Raiders.
Some more unfortunate news for the Raiders is that star tight end Brock Bowers will likely miss his third straight game with a knee injury.
Bowers returned to practice on Friday in a limited capacity, but is listed as doubtful to play Sunday against the Chiefs.
Bowers commented on returning to practice, saying, “It felt good to get back out there with the guys, being at practice, just feeling better.” He was then asked his thoughts on potentially playing on Sunday.
“Yeah, definitely thought about it, we’ll see.” Bowers added that it’ll likely be a game-time decision, but the feeling is that the Raiders’ coaching staff would prefer to rest him and have him at full speed after the bye week.
It’s going to be a tough matchup against the Chiefs on Sunday, and it’ll only be harder to win if Crosby and Bowers aren’t on the field for the Silver and Black.
