Packers lose WR Christian Watson and DL Devonte Wyatt to ankle injuries vs. Vikings

The Green Bay Packers lost wide receiver Christian Watson and defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt to ankle injuries during Sunday’s 31-29 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.

Watson got his left foot trapped underneath a defender as he was awkwardly twisted to the ground while targeted in the first quarter. He was carted from the sideline to the locker room. Wyatt was injured along the line of scrimmage on a catch from Justin Jefferson in the fourth quarter — he walked back to the locker room under his own power. Neither returned to the game.

Coach Matt LaFleur said he talked to Watson, who believed his injury was a sprain. Per Jordan Schultz, the Packers believe Watson has a high-ankle sprain but more testing will be required on Monday. A high-ankle sprain would likely keep Watson out of the lineup for weeks.

Less is known about specific on Wyatt’s injury. Per Ryan Wood of PackersNews.com, Wyatt was in a walking boot on his right ankle and using crutches in the post-game locker room.

Wyatt told Wes Hodkiewicz of the team’s official site that he didn’t think the injury was serious, but an MRI is scheduled for Monday.

Watson saw only one target on Sunday. He caught two passes for 67 yards in the Packers’ Week 3 win over the Tennessee Titans and has five catches for 80 yards and a score in four games in 2024.

Wyatt has been one of the Packers’ best and most important pass-rushers. He had two sacks against the Titans and currently leads the team with three total sacks. He had a tackle for loss on Sunday.

LaFleur will meet with the media again on Monday afternoon, so an update on both could be forthcoming. The Packers won’t provide an injury report for Week 5 until Wednesday. Green Bay goes on the road to play the Los Angeles Rams next Sunday. It’s possible Watson and Wyatt will both be unavailable for the contest. Short-term injured reserve — meaning a four-game absence — could be an option.

LaFleur did say the Packers don’t think Jaire Alexander’s groin injury — which kept him out Sunday — is a long-term issue.