Packers leave the door open for a major return sooner than expected that could provide a big spark this season
Christian Watson is recovering from an ACL tear.
The Green Bay Packers’ offense is already second in EPA/play and eighth in success rate. It’s obviously a good unit, despite the natural ups and downs of a long regular season. But the unit could get much better, and it may happen sooner than expected.
On Tuesday, head coach Matt LaFleur said it’s possible for the Packers to open Christian Watson’s 21-day practice window coming off the physically unable to perform list.
“We’ll see,” LaFleur said. “I don’t know, I think we’re a ways out from that, so we’ll have a better indication, I would say, Monday.”
A positive indication for Watson
While the answer shows uncertainty, the fact that Watson has a realistic shot at returning to practice next week is a solid indication that he can beat the 10-month mark. Watson tore his ACL on Jan. 5, so he will be nine months removed from the injury on Sunday.
“I feel like if it was the NFC Championship Game tomorrow, I would be able to go out there and feel confident, for sure,” Watson said in mid-September. “But I gotta be as smart as I can with it and not let it be a long-term thing. Nine months is long enough, so I wanna get the nine months out the way and come back and be 100% Christian Watson and go out there and not have to worry about it anymore.”
After missing the first four games of the season, Watson is already eligible to return from the physically unable to perform list. Whenever the Packers activate him, the team can allow him to practice for three weeks before being forced to spend a roster spot. Nonetheless, he can be activated to the 53-man roster and play at any point during that 21-day window.
Last season, Watson had 2.26 yards per route run, tying his career best, which led the Packers’ wide receiving room.
Help is on the way
Beyond Watson, the roster should get significant reinforcements before the Cincinnati Bengals game in Week 6. That’s why the bye is mostly for, although defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt could miss a few games.
“Health. That is the big thing,” LaFleur said. “We’ve got to get these guys, their bodies back, and then we also understand that it’s going to be a long haul after the bye, so you better get your mind right to go on that journey and try to get a little bit better every day.”
Right tackle Zach Tom (oblique), left guard Aaron Banks (groin), and swing tackle Anthony Belton (ankle) all have a shot to be back.
Moreover, running back MarShawn Lloyd, center Jacob Monk, edge defender Collin Oliver, and guard John Williams are also eligible to be activated — even though it doesn’t mean they will all be healthy next week. Right now, the Packers have two open roster spots.
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