Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur provided optimistic updates on the availability of both Christian Watson and Rashan Gary for Sunday’s showdown with the Buffalo Bills.
Watson practiced on Wednesday and Thursday; Gary is close to clearing concussion protocol.
An final injury report with official game designations will be provided later Friday.
The Packers think they could get back Watson after he missed the last two games with a hamstring injury.
“He’s gotten through two practices, we’ll see how he does today. I would say I’m cautiously optimistic,” LaFleur said Friday.
Watson, even in a limited role, could provide a big jolt of speed to the Packers offense, both as a deep threat and in the jet-motion role. And his return would come at a good time because Allen Lazard (shoulder) isn’t expected to play Sunday.
On the defensive side, the Packers are hoping to have Gary available to go hunt Josh Allen.
LaFleur said Gary was, as of Friday morning, close to clearing concussion protocol, per head athletic trainer Bryan “Flea” Engel.
“I met with Flea this morning at 7:00 a.m. and there was still another box he had to check. I haven’t gotten that update yet, it was trending that way. We’ll see where he’s at.”
Gary leads the team with 6.0 sacks and 28 pressures. He suffered the concussion during the second half of last week’s loss in Washington, but he was available to return to practice on Thursday of this week.
