Watts did not participate in the team's joint practice with the Bengals on Wednesday, his second straight absence from practice, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
Head coach Mike Zimmer indicated that he didn't want to bring any injured players to Paul Brown Stadium but didn't suggest that any of the injuries would result in extended time away from the field. A reserve linebacker, Watts could certainly use all of the reps he can get to prove he belongs on the 53-man roster, but the 25-year-old will likely make his biggest mark on special teams.