The Green Bay Packers returned wide receivers Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson to practice as Matt LaFleur’s team began preparations for the Arizona Cardinals on Wednesday, according to Mike Spofford of the team’s official site.
Doubs has been reinstated after serving a one-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the team last week. He skipped practices on Thursday and Friday and was suspended for Sunday’s win over the Los Angeles Rams. Doubs and LaFleur had a conversation on Monday, and the team expected the third-year receiver back at work on Wednesday.
Watson missed last week’s win while recovering from an ankle injury suffered against the Minnesota Vikings. He was listed as doubtful to play, suggesting a return in the near future. Watson’s participation Wednesday, even in a limited capacity, opens the door for him to play Sunday against the Cardinals.
Doubs and Watson, two draft picks from the 2022 draft class, are the elder statesmen in the Packers receiver room. Doubs has 12 catches for 167 yards in four games this season, while Watson has five catches for 80 yards and a touchdown in four games.
Neither is having the terrific third season they probably expected entering 2024. Doubs was elite in the postseason last year, catching 10 passes for 234 yards. Watson, meanwhile, was finally healthy to start a season after building muscle symmetry in his legs this offseason.
Jayden Reed leads the team and ranks fifth in the NFL with 414 receiving yards, while Dontayvion Wicks and Tucker Kraft both have a team-high three touchdown catches.
According to Spofford, the only non-participant at Wednesday’s practice was defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt, who has an ankle injury. LaFleur said he was out of the walking boot this week and there’s hope he’ll be back soon.
Cornerback Jaire Alexander, who was inactive Sunday with a groin injury, and tight end Luke Musgrave, who didn’t practice last week because of an ankle injury, both were available on Wednesday.
The Packers will release the first injury report of the week later Wednesday.