The Green Bay Packers could be getting back a premium playmaker ahead of Sunday’s regular season-ending clash with the Chicago Bears.
Receiver Christian Watson, who has missed the last four games with a hamstring injury, returned to practice on Wednesday, the first official day of prep for the Bears.
Coach Matt LaFleur said Watson was limited during what was mostly a jog-through practice on Wednesday. The second-year receiver needs to get through the week before the Packers commit to him playing against the Bears.
“I know he’s eager to be out there,” LaFleur said.
Watson injured his hamstring against the Kansas City Chiefs on Dec. 3. He missed games against the New York Giants, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carolina Panthers and Minnesota Vikings.
Despite playing in just nine games, Watson ranks fourth on the team in receiving yards (422) and third in receiving touchdowns (5). He had touchdowns in three consecutive games — including two against the Chiefs — when he went down with the hamstring injury.
LaFleur said Watson’s return would provide a “spark” on offense against the Bears.
“Even if it’s on a limited basis, we’ll all seen his playmaking ability and intelligence out of the field and move him around him wherever we may need him,” LaFleur said.
The Packers also had rookies Jayden Reed, who left Sunday night’s win over the Vikings with a chest injury, and Dontayvion Wicks, who missed the game with his own chest injury, available to practice on Wednesday. Tight end Luke Musgrave was also on the field, suggesting the Packers could have a full complement of weapons on the field against the Bears for the first time in weeks.
The Packers have a win-and-in scenario against the Bears on Sunday. With a win, the Packers will clinch a playoff spot and could be seeded as high as No. 6 in the NFC.
Watson scored a pair of touchdowns and had 94 total yards in the Packers’ Dec. 4 win over the Bears at Soldier Field last season. He finished his rookie season with five catches for 104 yards in the finale against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field.