Christian Watson Headlines Green Bay Packers Injury Updates

In total, eight Green Bay Packers players received an injury update on Friday, July 18. It marked the team’s first official injury designation since June 10. On that day, cornerback Kalen King didn’t participate in the team’s minicamp.

Now, Packers fans know the status of a few key players. Christian Watson is one of three major names that received an injury update. Knowing how Watson’s 2024 season ended, it’s no surprise to see him on this list.

Christian Watson and Quay Walker Land on the PUP List

Watson’s ACL tear in January was a huge blow to the Packers offense. Even after a massive drop in his rookie game with Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay has stood by Watson. The former No. 34 overall pick played 15 games last season as he was on pace for a career year.

Even though he only played 14 games in his rookie season, he still finished with 12 more receptions. Last year, he had a career high 620 yards. That comes out to an average of 21.4 per reception, roughly six yards more than either of his previous two seasons.

While Watson only had two touchdowns last season, he proved to be a huge asset on offense. He now has 14 career touchdowns as he enters the fourth year of his rookie contract. The North Dakota State finished third in receiving yards, only trailing Tucker Kraft and Jayden Reed.

Brian Gutekunst said he expects Watson to miss at least half of the 2025 regular season. Opening the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, Watson can be activated anytime.

Joining him on that list is linebacker Quay Walker. Walker faced a ton of backlash for his performance last season, something he was able to turn around later in the year. He’s in a similar situation as Watson, as both were drafted in 2022.

The Packers 1st round pick that year has surpassed 100 tackles in each of his three seasons. Sadly for the team, he’s played in fewer games each season. His rookie campaign saw 121 tackles as he played in all 17 games. From there, he played 14 games in 2023 with 118 tackles. Last season, he only had 102 tackles in 13 games.

Even though he played as many as four fewer games than some, Walker led the team in total tackles (102) and solo tackles (72). He now has 6.5 sacks in his three seasons as the 25-year-old has an undisclosed injury.

Elgton Jenkins Opens on the Non-Football Injury List

Jeremy Fowler’s poll for the Top 10 offensive linemen saw Elgton Jenkins sneak his way into the list. He’s now appeared in back to back seasons, with a No. 9 ranking this year. Jenkins was No. 10 last year, though he’s been rated as high as No. 2 in the past.

Green Bay expects Jenkins to line up at center this season. He began his career as a guard, but has played both left and right tackle.

“The guy is so underrated. Can play anywhere, tough, physical, smart,” an anonymous NFL coordinator said.

Similar to Walker, the Packers did not disclose Jenkins injury. He was placed on a different list though, the non-football injury list. Ultimately, the same result stands as whenever he’s ready to play, he can be activated.