Green Bay Packers' Rookie Wide Receiver Misses Another Practice

The Green Bay Packers are trending towards a major absence for their crucial Week 17 NFC North showdown with the Minnesota Vikings. Wide receiver Christian Watson missed his second practice of the week on Thursday with a hip injury.

Christian Watson and Keisean Nixon aren’t practicing, contrary to what Matt LaFleur said this morning.

David Bakhtiari, Yosh Nijman and Aaron Jones are practicing again.

Aaron Rodgers back at practice after missing yesterday with a knee issue pic.twitter.com/YmzPNgS45t
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) December 29, 2022

Watson was unavailable for much of the second half of the Packers' Week 16 26-20 win over the Miami Dolphins after injuring his hip. Head coach Matt LaFleur alluded to the possibility of Watson returning to practice today, but it didn't happen.

Watson has been arguably the key instigator in the Packers resurgence as a relevant team over the past six weeks. He has nabbed 25 receptions for 408 yards and an impressive seven touchdowns, propelling the Packers to a 4-2 record. The Packers must win both of their next two games if they want to stay alive for a chance at a Wildcard berth.

The 34th overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, Watson has brought a much-needed explosive element and red zone threat to the Packers offense and could be sorely missed on Sunday if unable to play. Thankfully, the Packers are facing a Vikings team with very little to gain: they've already wrapped up the NFC North and don't have an especially realistic shot at the top seed.