Packers’ offense finally receives the update fans have been waiting for, and a monster boost is coming
Christian Watson is closer to his return.
The best possible news for the Green Bay Packers’ offense is here. After nine months of recovery, wide receiver Christian Watson will get back at practice this week, as the team officially opened his 21-day practice window on Monday.
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Christian Watson is not the only one returning. Center Jacob Monk (hamstring), who started the regular season on injured reserve with a designation for return, had his 21-day practice window opened as well.
Right tackle Zach Tom and left guard Aaron Banks, who missed the Dallas Cowboys game last Sunday, are back on the field as well. The only players who didn’t participate in the activity are defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt (knee) and backup tackle Anthony Belton (ankle).
Watson is closer to his return from a serious injury
Watson suffered a torn ACL in January. Now, he has up to three weeks to practice, even if still listed on the physically unable to perform list. The Packers can activate him to play at any point over the next 21 days. The rules say that if the team doesn’t activate Watson after these three weeks, he moves to injured reserve and his season will be over.
Last week, head coach Matt LaFleur had left the door open for Watson to return this week, but there weren’t any assurances.
“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.”
The fact that Watson will be back on the field is the best possible development to get him in game action as soon as possible.
Last season, Christian Watson led the Packers in yards per route run (2.26) and had his career high in average depth of target (18.7). His ability to stretch the field is a big weapon to unlock the best version of the Packers’ offense.
A second-round pick in 2022, Watson has had an up and down career. Productive and explosive when available, he’s handled multiple injuries. After a treatment to avoid hamstring issues in 2024, Watson was able to sustain a healthy season, but suffered a torn ACL in Week 18 against the Chicago Bears.
The Packers usually give players 10 months to recover from these types of injuries—but nine months is enough time for Watson to get back to practice.
It’s unlikely that the wide receiver will be able to face the Cincinnati Bengals next Sunday, but his return to practice is a great first step—and the offense could get a major boost over the next few weeks.