Injury-prone Packers WR returns to practice after 'big-time scare'

Wideout Christian Watson suffered a knee injury during the final play of Green Bay Packers' training-camp practice on Wednesday, but was back on the field 24 hours later.

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said on Thursday that there was serious concern regarding Watson's situation when it happened.

Injuries have been a problem for Watson since he was selected by Green Bay in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft.

The North Dakota State product has missed 11 games due to injury over his first two NFL seasons, including eight during the 2023 campaign because of a pulled right hamstring. The issue got so bad that Watson was sent to a " special lab " in March to deal with it and returned with some answers.

ESPN's Rob Demovsky reported in May that the 25-year-old discovered during his eight hours of testing at the University of Wisconsin's School of Medicine and Public Health that the "key" for him is "symmetry." The insider wrote that "tests showed a muscle imbalance in his legs, which likely contributed to his problems."

Despite being held to 14 contests as a rookie, Watson still led the Packers in touchdowns (seven) while finishing second in receiving yards (611). With Jordan Love taking over as the starting quarterback in 2023, Watson was a favorite end-zone target.

The former 34th overall pick ended last season ranked third on Green Bay in touchdown receptions (five) while finishing fourth in receiving yards (422) despite missing half of the season.

Watson is joined by fellow 2022 draft pick Romeo Doubs and 2023 second-round selection Jayden Reed as the projected starters in the Packers' three-wide sets.