Aaron Rodgers on injured rookie WR Christian Watson missing opener: ‘Not a big concern’

A rookie wide receiver has been one of the breakout stars of Green Bay Packers training camp — at least, according to the team’s quarterback. Aaron Rodgers he spoke Four-time champion Romeo Doubs this week, noting that he seems to make a “wow” game every day.

Of course, Doubs wasn’t the only receiver the Packers drafted this year. They traded up in the second round to get former North Dakota State star Christian Watson with the No. 34 overall pick. But the 6-5, 200-pound wideout with elite speed and athleticism has been sidelined to start camp with an injury.

Rodgers, however, is not worried about Watson’s progress or his ability to pick things up when he returns to the field.

“It’s not a big concern. He’s a very smart kid,” Rodgers said. per Packers Wire. “He’s a smart kid. It would be nice to get him off the PUP so he can do some of the basic things, but he’ll be fine. He’s super athletic. He’s been through the whole offseason with us, OTAs, minicamp. He’s in my hip pocket, he asks questions after periods and during one-on-one time. I’m not worried about him.”

As for Watson himself, he seems to be trying to look on the bright side.

“It’s definitely disappointing, but I’ve tried not to let it affect me too much,” Watson said. “There’s still things I can do to get better and still be a part of everything, doing mental reps and still being in the playbook. So I try to look at the positives and stay away from the negatives.”

Both Doubs and Watson have a chance to emerge as big pieces of the Green Bay offense after the team moved on from Davante Adams and Marquez Valdes-Scantling this offseason. Developing a relationship and gaining Rodgers’ trust is a big part of that, and Doubs is ahead in that department, but it looks like Watson isn’t far behind.