Green Bay Packers release Thursday injury report ahead of Bears game
For the second straight day, the Green Bay Packers were without one of their top playmakers at practice. However, they still got some good news on Thursday’s injury report.
Christian Watson sat out for the second straight day as he nurses a hamstring injury as his status comes even further in question for Sunday’s season opener against the Chicago Bears. By missing two practices, Watson’s health will undoubtedly be a key storyline in the lead-up to Sunday’s game at Soldier Field. All eyes will be on Friday’s injury report as the Packers give one final update on their second-year receiver.
However, Romeo Doubs was back on the field — albeit in a limited capacity — as he works his way back from his own hamstring issue. Dontayvion Wicks was also at full participation after he was limited Wednesday. That means two of the Packers’ wide receivers are starting to get healthy as Jordan Love prepares for his first game as the starter.
The Packers will lift the curtain on the 2023 season against the Bears on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET on FOX.
Packers vs Bears Thursday injury report
Packers
Did not participate — LT David Bakhtiari (rest/knee), WR Christian Watson (hamstring)
Limited participants — OLB Rashan Gary (knee), , WR Romeo Doubs (hamstring)
Full participants — S Anthony Johnson (knee), WR Dontayvion Wicks (hamstring)
Bears
Did not participate — LB Dylan Cole (hamstring), OL Nate Davis (personal), TE Marcedes Lewis (non-injury, veteran rest)
Full participants — S Jaquan Brisker (groin), S Eddie Jackson (ankle), DE DeMarcus Walker (calf)
Matt LaFleur on Christian Watson’s injury: ‘We’ve got a plan in place’
Losing Watson would have major implications on the Packers offense. As a rookie last year out of North Dakota State, he finished second on the roster with 611 receiving yards to go with a team-high seven receiving touchdowns. He’s expected to again be a top target for Love as he settles in as the full-time starter.
After Watson missed practice on Wednesday, Packers coach Matt LaFleur addressed his absence and what it could mean when they take the field on Sunday.
“We’ve got a plan in place, and we’ll play the guys that are available and ready to go,” LaFleur said, via ESPN’s Rob Demovsky. “The one thing about this league is nobody cares. You’ve got to find a way to get it done, and I think our guys have taken that mindset no matter who’s out there. The expectations remain the same — and that is to go out there and play winning football. So, we’ll get our guys ready to go.”