Packers wide receiver Christian Watson is a candidate for injured reserve because of a left ankle sprain, NFL Network reported Monday.

Watson was carted to the locker room during the first quarter of Green Bay’s loss to the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field on Sunday and did not return to the game.

He has five catches for 80 yards this season and was replaced in the lineup on Sunday by Dontavyion Wicks. Wicks caught his team-leading third TD pass of the season against the Vikings and would get more time while Watson is recovering.

In the 31-29 loss, Watson was escorted to the sideline medical tent after he was tangled up with Vikings safety Josh Metellus while going for a challenged pass from quarterback Jordan Love. Watson and Metellus’ legs were tangled as they came to the ground and Watson landed awkwardly.

If Watson, 25, lands on injured reserve for the second consecutive season, he would be sidelined for the next four games. The Packers play the Los Angeles Rams, Arizona Cardinals, Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars. Watson would be eligible to return Nov. 3 for a Week 9 game at Detroit with a bye week to follow.

The oft-injured Watson said he focused on a muscle and soft-tissue imbalance in his hamstrings and lower body during offseason training. He missed a total of 10 games in 2023 with hamstring injuries.

Wicks, a fifth-round pick out of Virginia in 2023, was targeted a team-high 13 times Sunday against the Vikings.

–Field Level Media