Green Bay Packers WR Christian Watson Making Steady ACL Recovery, Week 1 Doubtful but Rehab ‘Really Good,’ Team Remains Cautious
The Green Bay Packers enter the 2025 NFL season with high hopes and a promising young core. However, one major storyline looming over training camp is the status of wide receiver Christian Watson. The third-year wideout, known for his explosive speed and game-breaking potential, continues to recover from an ACL injury sustained late last season. While the team remains optimistic, Watson’s availability for Week 1 is still uncertain.
Watson, who was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list ahead of training camp, has reportedly made solid progress in his recovery. Packers head coach Matt LaFleur and general manager Brian Gutekunst have both publicly expressed confidence in the wide receiver’s rehab process, emphasizing a “long-term view” rather than rushing him back prematurely.
“He’s in a really good place,” a team source told Pro Football Talk earlier this week. “But we’re going to be cautious. We’re building something for the long haul, and Christian is a major part of that.”
The Injury: When and How It Happened
Christian Watson tore his ACL during a non-contact play in Week 15 of the 2024 season against the Minnesota Vikings. The injury sent shockwaves through the Packers’ fanbase and coaching staff alike, as Watson had been one of the most dynamic weapons in the offense. He was carted off the field in visible pain, and the team confirmed the ACL diagnosis shortly afterward.
Surgery was performed successfully in early January 2025, and Watson began his rehab at Lambeau Field shortly after the conclusion of the Packers’ season.
Watson’s Role in the Packers’ Offense
Since being drafted in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of North Dakota State, Christian Watson has flashed elite athleticism and deep-threat capabilities. At 6’4″, 208 pounds, with a 4.36 40-yard dash, he gives quarterback Jordan Love a vertical weapon few defenses can handle.
In his first two seasons, Watson posted:
- 2022: 611 yards, 7 touchdowns
- 2023: 982 yards, 6 touchdowns
- 2024 (before injury): 823 yards, 5 touchdowns in 13 games
He quickly developed chemistry with Love, and the pair became the centerpiece of a growing offense under LaFleur. The hope for 2025 was that a fully healthy Watson would take another leap, possibly into Pro Bowl territory. But now, the focus has shifted to managing expectations and timelines.
What the Team is Saying
Head Coach Matt LaFleur spoke to media at the start of training camp and addressed Watson’s rehab process.
“We love Christian’s work ethic. He’s attacking his rehab like a pro. But we’re not going to force anything. We want him for the full season—not just Week 1.”
General Manager Brian Gutekunst echoed similar sentiments.
“We’re being smart with Christian. He’s part of our future, and it doesn’t make sense to rush him back before he’s 100%.”
These comments reinforce the notion that Watson’s health will not be compromised for the sake of a quick return.
What Is the PUP List?
Being placed on the PUP list means Watson cannot practice during the first part of training camp. If he remains on the PUP list when the regular season begins, he would be forced to miss the first four games of the season. However, the Packers can activate him at any point before that deadline if he’s ready.
Currently, Watson is participating in off-field rehab drills and light workouts with team trainers. According to sources close to the organization, he is progressing ahead of schedule, but the team is resisting the urge to clear him too early.
The Bigger Picture: Packers’ Young Offense
Even without Watson for the start of the season, the Packers are building something special on offense. Wideouts like Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, and rookie JaCorey Brooks are expected to step up in his absence. Tight end Luke Musgrave and running backs Josh Jacobs and A.J. Dillon will also play key roles in supporting Jordan Love during the early stretch.
But Watson’s return would be a game-changer. His ability to stretch the field opens things up for everyone else. In many ways, Watson is the X-factor that could elevate the Packers from playoff hopeful to Super Bowl contender.
A Closer Look at the Numbers
Watson’s production has been efficient and impactful:
- Career Yards per Reception: 15.6
- Career Yards After Catch (YAC): 398
- Touchdowns in Last 20 Games: 11
- Passer Rating When Targeted (2024): 118.2
These numbers underscore why the Packers are being so careful. Rushing back a player of Watson’s caliber could risk re-injury and potentially derail his long-term trajectory.
The Rehab Process: Inside the Recovery
Watson’s rehab is being overseen by the Packers’ medical and strength staff, led by team doctor Pat McKenzie and head trainer Bryan Engel. According to reports, the wide receiver has been hitting key rehab milestones:
- Month 1-2: Regained range of motion, began light strength training
- Month 3-4: Introduced agility and change-of-direction drills
- Month 5-6 (Current): Sprinting, cutting, and catching footballs in controlled settings
An unnamed source inside Lambeau told Heavy Sports:
“He’s ahead of where we thought he’d be. But ACLs are tricky—every player responds differently. We’re watching his workload carefully.”
Watson’s Mindset
Christian Watson has remained positive and focused throughout his recovery. He has posted sporadically on social media, thanking fans for their support and sharing clips of his rehab.
In one recent Instagram story, Watson wrote:
“It’s all part of the journey. I’ll be back. Better. Stronger.”
Packers veterans like David Bakhtiari and Elgton Jenkins—both of whom have recovered from major knee injuries—have been mentoring Watson through the emotional and physical challenges of the process.
NFL Reaction and Analyst Opinions
Around the league, analysts are closely watching Watson’s return.
Former NFL receiver James Jones, now with NFL Network, said:
“Christian Watson is a monster when healthy. If the Packers can get him back by midseason, they’re in great shape.”
Pro Football Focus analyst Brad Spielberger added:
“He’s one of the most efficient deep threats in football. That kind of player makes defenses respect every inch of the field.”
What’s Next?
The Packers will continue to monitor Watson closely over the next several weeks. The team’s medical staff will perform periodic evaluations to determine whether he can be removed from the PUP list before the regular season.
If he’s not ready by Week 1, the team is expected to lean more heavily on its committee approach—spreading targets among Reed, Doubs, Brooks, and Musgrave.
While fans are eager to see Watson back in action, the organization’s cautious, player-first approach is a testament to their long-term vision.
Christian Watson’s ACL injury may delay his return to the field, but it hasn’t diminished his importance to the Green Bay Packers’ future. With a careful recovery process, strong support system, and elite physical tools, Watson remains one of the brightest stars in a rapidly improving offense.
The Packers are playing the long game—and when Watson does return, they expect fireworks. Until then, patience will be key as Green Bay hopes to unleash their full offensive arsenal by midseason and make a serious playoff push
