Every player wants to improve in the offseason, but for Christian Watson of the Green Bay Packers, the main goal is to figure out how to stay on the field in 2024 and avoid soft-tissue injuries, particularly to his hamstring.
Due to a hamstring injury sustained prior to Week 1, Watson missed three games during the regular season. However, on December 3, he re-injured the same hamstring during a play against the Kansas City Chiefs, which caused him to miss five more games. He missed three games as a rookie due to a hamstring issue that bothered him for more than a month.
“I need to identify the underlying cause of it. In the last locker room available on Monday, Watson stated, “That’s the start, and then I’ll be able to develop a plan around that.” However, if I can identify the potential contributing factors, I can ensure that I’m taking the appropriate precautions during the summer, OTAs, and training camp. Ultimately, I just need to find ways to stay aware of it. That is my top priority plan.
In order to develop and carry out a strategy this offseason, Watson has been collaborating with head athletic trainer Bryan “Flea” Engel, according to coach Matt LaFleur. In 2024 and beyond, the plan is for Watson to maintain his explosiveness while becoming more accessible for the Packers.
LaFleur declared on Monday, “We have a plan, we have a plan in place.” “I am aware that Flea has been hardworking on it, traveling to many locations to complete all of the scans and other tasks that are required. Christian will undoubtedly play a significant role in that process. We must find a solution for that. He has a significant impact. When he is at his best, you can see how valuable he is. He can produce big, explosive plays. When he is on the grass, we are at our best.
In all, Watson scored nine touchdowns and was a dominant player in the latter moments of his first season. In nine games in 2023, he hit the end zone five more times, including four times in three games prior to his second injury.
In 2024, if Watson recovers from his hamstring issues, he might be able to establish himself as the Packers’ most reliable player. He is a force both down the field and on fake touches thanks to his stature and speed. Watson might develop into a respectable No. 1 receiver the next season if he is healthy for the entire campaign.
It’s enormous. I’m attempting to maintain mental equilibrium,” Watson remarked. “Everyone says your availability is your finest ability, so I need to find a way to be out there, even if I don’t want to let it take over my life. When I can get into a rhythm and build upon it, I believe I perform at my best. I don’t think it’s right for anyone to be out, be back, be out, be back, but I know it’s not appropriate for me to play my best ball. All I need to do is figure out how to get out there and remain out there.
Watson isn’t certain yet whether the problem is with strength or flexibility. He’s a long-striding, explosive, lean athlete, so he’s looking to find the best strategies to reduce hamstring strain.
“I’m not sure if it’s related to strength in any way. I might be adaptable. I can say with certainty that my hamstrings are powerful. I am aware that I am a lean and powerful man. I need to figure out how to relieve pressure from one area and allow everything to function as a whole. That is what I intend to ascertain.
