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Green Bay Packers rookie WR Christian Watson has emerged as the No. 1 option for Aaron Rodgers in the passing game. Watson was forced to leave Sunday’s 26-20 win over the Miami Dolphins early due to a hip injury. The Packers enter a crucial Week 17 matchup vs. the rival Minnesota Vikings with playoff hopes on the line. We’ll be updating you on the latest news around Watson heading into the key game.
Christian Watson injury updates
Friday, Dec. 30 update — Watson was able to return to practice on Friday and logged a limited practice. He is officially questionable for Sunday’s game.
Thursday, Dec. 29 update — Watson was not spotted at practice despite Matt LeFleur saying he would practice earlier, per Matt Schneidman.
Thursday, Dec. 29 update — Watson will return to practice on Thursday, per Wes Hodkiewicz. This is good news for his possible availability this week.
Wednesday, Dec. 28 update — Watson isn’t going to practice on Wednesday, per head coach Matt LaFleur.
Monday, Dec. 26 update — Watson is considered day-to-day heading into Week 17 vs. the Vikings.
Fantasy football advice
Update — It’s looking like Watson will enter this week as questionable and there’s a chance he’s held out. We’ll have to see what happens Thursday. If Watson can get in a LP on Thursday that would give us a bit more optimism. If you have Watson in fantasy football and didn’t get Romeo Doubs, go grab him now unless you’ve got WR depth.
Watson’s status will be one of the bigger injuries heading into championship week for fantasy football. If Watson is ruled out, that opens up a few plays. Romeo Doubs would be the clear waiver wire pickup. Allen Lazard may not be available but it’s worth checking on him if someone let him go in a 8-10 team format.
Maybe Robert Tonyan sees some more targets if Watson sits, but you’d think most of the action will go to Doubs and Lazard. The Packers should lean heavily on the run game between AJ Dillon and Aaron Jones, who leads the team in receptions this season with 54.
If Watson is fine and plays, you’re rolling him out in Week 17 in the ship. He’s got too high a ceiling and the matchup is very strong. We should also see Watson want to exorcise the demons of Week 1 and his first career target, what could have been. It’s basically a playoff game for Green Bay and the Vikings will want to keep the Pack out of the playoffs.