Is Christian Watson playing in week 16 vs the Bears? Latest Packers injury update and performance details

Christian Watson suffered a scary injury on Sunday, December 15, during the Green Bay Packers’ 34–26 loss to the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado. The Packers wide receiver left the game in the third quarter after taking a hard fall and was later taken to a local hospital for further checks.

The injury raised concern across the team and among fans, especially because Christian Watson recently returned from a long recovery earlier this season.

Christian Watson injury update after chest injury during Packers vs Broncos game

Christian Watson was injured on the first play of the Packers’ second offensive drive of the third quarter. At that moment, Green Bay was leading 23–14 and looking to make a big play. Quarterback Jordan Love threw a deep pass intended for Watson. Denver Broncos All-Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain II stepped in front of the route and intercepted the ball at the Denver 29-yard line. Both players crashed to the turf. Christian Watson stayed down and immediately grabbed his upper body area, showing visible pain.Packers trainers quickly came onto the field. Head coach Matt LaFleur also walked over to check on Watson. After several minutes, Watson was helped to his feet and escorted to the locker room. The team first listed him as questionable to return before officially ruling him out for the rest of the game.

During the CBS broadcast, reporter Tracy Wolfson said Christian Watson was undergoing X-rays in the locker room to evaluate a chest injury. After the game, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporter Tom Silverstein confirmed that Watson was taken to a hospital in Denver for more tests. Silverstein added that Watson was expected to fly back to Green Bay with the team.The injury was troubling because Christian Watson missed the first six games of the 2025 season while recovering from a torn ACL suffered on January 5, 2025, in the final game of the 2024 season.

Christian Watson stats and role in Packers offense this season

Before getting hurt, Christian Watson caught three passes for 29 yards against Denver. Even in limited snaps, he remained a big part of the game plan. In recent weeks, he had clearly become Jordan Love’s top option in the passing attack.Entering Sunday’s game, Christian Watson had led the Packers in receiving yards in each of the previous three weeks. Through seven games this season, he totaled 25 catches for 452 yards and five touchdowns. He scored five touchdown receptions over the last four games before the Denver matchup.Watson’s speed and deep-threat ability have helped open up the Packers’ offense since his return in Week 8. Green Bay is expected to provide another update on his condition after further medical evaluation.Also Read: Stefon Diggs Makes Design Debut At Miami Art Basel While His Personal Life With Cardi B Draws Attention