LaFleur pessimistic about Watson's injury, says Love could've returned

The Green Bay Packers saw a pair of key offensive starters sustain injuries during Sunday's last-second 24-22 loss to the Chicago Bears in the regular-season finale.

Quarterback Jordan Love injured his throwing arm while attempting a pass in the second quarter, while Christian Watson sustained a right knee injury on a non-contact play.

Love was evaluated before being listed as questionable with a right elbow injury. He was never officially ruled out but didn't return to the game as Malik Willis took over as the signal-caller.

"I pretty much lost all feeling in my hand," Love said postgame, adding that his hand still feels numb, according to CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones.

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said postgame that Love could've returned if needed.

"He was good to go back in," LaFleur added, according to 97.3 The Game. "In fact, we thought that there was a chance that he was going to have to go back in the game because Malik got hit."

LaFleur didn't sound as optimistic about Watson's status.

"I'm not super confident in that right now," he said, according to The Athletic's Matt Schneidman.

Watson was able to walk to the sideline after injuring his knee but was eventually carted to the locker room.

Watson did not practice this past week with a knee injury after missing last week's game against the Minnesota Vikings. LaFleur said Dec. 24 that Watson hadn't suffered any structural damage to his left knee.

The Packers entered Sunday's rivalry matchup as the NFC's 7-seed with a playoff spot already clinched. Green Bay could've finished the regular season as the No. 6 seed with a win and a Washington Commanders loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Washington defeated Dallas 23-19.

The Packers will play the Philadelphia Eagles in the wild-card round.