Watson Eager to Contribute After Offense’s Breakout Performance

Big-play Packers receiver Christian Watson missed Sunday’s game with a hamstring injury. “No one in here is Superman,” he said, but he’s hoping for a speedy return.

GREEN BAY, Wis. – Unable to play in the Green Bay Packers’ Week 1 victory over the Chicago Bears on Sunday, receiver Christian Watson was proud of his role as player-coach and hype man.

“I think I did my 1/53rd yesterday,” Watson said to laughter on Monday. “I was in the guys’ ears all day, just getting them up when something didn’t go right, making sure we’re getting that stuff corrected. I was just out there to support those guys and to support the team. I think I did that.”

Watson suffered a hamstring injury during the Thursday practice before the three-day Labor Day break.

“I caught a ball, landed, went to come out of it and just felt it go a little bit,” Watson said. “It is what it is. I’m feeling good with where I’m at right now so I’m just going to keep on grinding and try to get back as soon as I can.”

The injury is to Watson’s right hamstring – same as last year, when he missed three games over a five-week span. The injury is not identical, Watson said, but he does have some idea of the markers he needs to hit before he returns to action.

Watson gave himself a glimmer of hope for being available at Chicago but didn’t practice all week and was ruled out on Friday. Obviously, given the passage of time, he believes he’s got a better chance for suiting up on Sunday at Atlanta. He didn’t think a trip to injured reserve was in the cards.

“No one in here is Superman, so you’ve got to let the body run its course,” Watson said.

Watson was on the field at Chicago for pregame warmups. As one of the “veterans” of the group – Watson, Romeo Doubs and Samori Toure are second-year players and everyone else is a rookie – he gathered the receivers before the game.

Christian Watson (Photo by Benny Sieu/USA Today Sports Images)

“Just go out there and be you,” was Watson’s message. “Every single guy is there for a reason. Whether you’re undrafted or second round, mid-round, it don’t matter. You’re here now. So, just go out there and be you.”

Doubs, who scored three touchdowns in 13 games as a rookie, scored two against the Bears. Rookie Jayden Reed had a 30-yard catch-and-run to set up a field goal before halftime and a 35-yard punt return to set up a touchdown. One of Toure’s two catches moved the chains on third down.

“I thought we played well in a lot of areas,” Watson said. “There’s always room to improve. Obviously, had a lot of guys going out there for the first time, so there was some mistakes along the way, but that’s just part of it. Came out with the dub, went 1-0 for the week and that’s all that matters.”

Watson had an assortment of injuries last year before bursting onto the scene during the second half of the season. He had been healthy throughout training camp and the preseason this year; sustaining an injury about a week before the opener was “heartbreaking” given the amount of work and preparation.

Helping ease the pain was the team’s performance vs. the rival Bears. Jordan Love threw three touchdown passes and the Packers rolled without their best pass-catching playmaker. What could this offense become when Watson’s game-breaking speed is back on the field?

“Just watching the tape back and watching the game yesterday, I was dying to steal somebody’s pads, steal somebody’s helmet and get out there,” Watson said. “I’m excited to get out there and to be a part of it, regardless of what exactly my role is coming back right away, I know what I’m capable of and I’m hoping that it’s a big part of this thing.”

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