Is Christian Watson playing Thursday night? Fantasy injury update for Lions-Packers Week 4 Thursday Night Football

Matt Lutovsky

Is Christian Watson playing Thursday night? Fantasy injury update for Lions-Packers Week 4 Thursday Night Football image

Christian Watson had "second-year breakout" written all over him in the preseason, but a hamstring injury that didn't surface until after most fantasy football drafts wrapped up has made him one of the biggest early-season busts. Watson has missed Green Bay's first three games, and he's once again looking questionable for Week 4's Thursday Night Football matchup against the Lions. Staying on top of the latest updates will be key before locking in any start' em, sit 'em decisions.

We'll continue to update this article with news on Watson until the official active/inactive report comes out on Thursday around 6:50 p.m. ET.

MORE TNF INJURIES: Montgomery update | Jones update

Is Christian Watson playing Thursday night Week 4? 

UPDATE (9/27): After limited practices on Tuesday and Wednesday, Watson is officially "questionable" for Thursday night's game against Detroit.

UPDATE (9/28): NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported Thursday morning that the Packers "will be cautious" with Watson's workload on Thursday night.

UPDATE (9/28): Watson is officially ACTIVE for Thursday night's matchup.

Watson managed to get in two limited practices last week sandwiched around a planned off-day, but he ultimately didn't get clearance to make his season debut in Week 3. He started Week 4 off with an estimated DNP on Monday, but when asked on Tuesday if he was going to play on Thursday against Detroit, he said "That's the plan."

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At this point, fantasy football owners consider it a bonus if Watson actually plays. Even if he is active, he'll almost certainly be on a snap count like Romeo Doubs was in Week 1 coming off his own hamstring injury. Doubs and TE Luke Musgrave are still decent starting options in 12-team leagues this week regardless of Watson's availability.

WEEK 4 PPR RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers

Should you start Christian Watson in fantasy if he plays in Week 4?

Because of the possibility of Watson being on a snap count, we have a tough time recommending him in 12-team leagues. He's explosive enough to hit on a big play and pay off, but the Lions have been mostly solid against the pass despite allowing three WR touchdowns. 

WEEK 4 STANDARD RANKINGS:
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/STs | Kickers

Watson is much riskier in PPR leagues, as he will likely only have a handful of catches, so even though you want to play him after waiting all this time to put him in your lineup, tread carefully. Waiting a week to see how he looks -- both physically and in relation to working with Jordan Love -- makes sense if you can afford it. 

Matt Lutovsky

Matt Lutovsky Photo

Matt Lutovsky has been a writer and editor for The Sporting News since 2007, primarily writing about fantasy sports, betting, and gaming.