Packers’ Christian Watson and Jaire Alexander Ruled Out for Giants Game

The Green Bay Packers are set to face the New York Giants on Monday night without key players Christian Watson and Jaire Alexander. The team’s injury report on Saturday confirmed Watson’s absence, citing a hamstring injury sustained late in the fourth quarter of the Packers’ recent 27-19 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.

Watson showcased his prowess in the Chiefs game, scoring two touchdowns and amassing seven catches for 71 yards. Unfortunately, his impactful performance was cut short due to the hamstring injury. Throughout the season, Watson has been a significant contributor to the Packers’ offense, accumulating 28 catches for 422 yards and five touchdowns.

Packers coach Matt LaFleur acknowledged Watson’s importance, stating, “Obviously Christian’s a big part of our offense. He’s really, I think, kind of hit his groove. So, (not having him is) obviously not great because it took him a minute to get going within our system this year, and it’s a shame and he made so many great plays the last few weeks. But I feel good about the other guys. I think they’ve really developed, and we’ve got a lot of guys that can move into different spots to help pick up for that loss.”

Jaire Alexander will also be absent for the fifth consecutive game due to a shoulder injury. The cornerback has faced challenges this season, playing in only five games. Initially sidelined with a back injury, Alexander later encountered a shoulder issue.

In addition to Watson and Alexander, the Packers have several players listed as questionable or doubtful for the upcoming game. Running back Aaron Jones (knee), safety Darnell Savage (chest), and cornerback Eric Stokes (hamstring) are questionable. Linebacker Quay Walker (shoulder) is doubtful.

Walker, who played every defensive snap in the recent Chiefs game, boasts a team-high 92 tackles this season. Jones has missed two consecutive games, while Savage recently returned after a five-game absence due to a calf injury. Stokes, a 2021 first-round pick, is on injured reserve but participated fully in practice this week, aiming for a return from a hamstring injury sustained on October 22.

The Packers, with a current record of 6-6, face challenges in their quest for victory against the Giants, as they navigate the absence of key players and manage the uncertainties surrounding other injured contributors.