ChristianWatson

News: 7 hours agoPackers head coach Matt LaFleur said that Watson (hamstring) was a non-participant for Thursday's practice as part of a maintenance plan for the wideout rather than because of a setback, Matt Schneidman of The Athletic

Spin: Watson sat out the Packers' first two games due to the hamstring injury, but he showed some tangible progress last Friday, when he logged his first limited practice session of the regular season. The wideout remained a limited participant for the Packers' first Week 3 practice Wednesday, and even though Watson took a step back in terms of activity Thursday, hope isn't lost for the wideout to potentially play this Sunday against the Saints. In order for that to become a reality, however, Watson will presumably need to resume practicing Friday in at least a limited fashion.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Watson enters his second NFL season as one of the most intriguing breakout candidates at wide receiver. The 2022 second-round pick didn't see the field much early on in his rookie campaign, first stepping into an every-down role in Week 10. From that point forward, he produced 584 yards and eight TDs on 35 touches. That accounted for the 10th-most fantasy points at the position. The TD rate is obviously unsustainable, but Watson's 23% target share (6.5 per game) and strong play (85th percentile or better in YPR, YPT, aDOT, RAC and YPRR) suggest he's the real deal. Granted, Aaron Rodgers is gone, but Watson has little competition for targets in Green Bay and his contributions as a rusher add to his floor. The 24-year-old is a fringe WR2.