Christian Watson provides update on his comeback plans, and it could change everything for the Packers’ offense
Wide receiver is getting back from the ACL injury he suffered in January, and he feels like the Steelers game on Sunday could be the perfect time for it.
The Green Bay Packers opened Christian Watson’s 21-day practice window on Oct. 6, but the team has been cautious to allow the wide receiver to have a ramp up period before making his return from a serious ACL injury.
Theoretically, the Packers have until next Monday to activate him from the physically unable to perform list to the 53-man roster. Even then, Green Bay could have Watson on the active roster and keep him inactive on game days. But that’s clearly not the plan, and Watson has a real shot to play on Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“That’s my plan,” Watson said. “I say it every week, but obviously I just leave it up to the trainers. My goal and my plan is to play this week.”
Christian Watson is in good shape
Even though it’s important for the Packers to avoid new complications, Watson said he felt ready to play last week against the Arizona Cardinals.
“I’d say I could have played last week too, to be honest,” Watson mentioned. “But I’ve got to make sure I’m hearing everybody’s opinions on everything and just being as smart as possible about it.”
Now, though, the speedster thinks the Packers’ plan is also for him to be out there on the field in Pittsburgh.
“For the most part, yeah,” Watson added. “They tell me to have that kind of plan every week and just see how it goes. My interpretation of everything is to go out there and have the mindset that I’ll be able to play.”
These past few weeks have been key for the wide receiver. Because he didn’t have a real training camp recovering from the knee injury he suffered in January, the ramp up period is particularly important.
“I feel like the main thing, honestly, is I’ve felt really good,” Watson stressed. “The main thing has just been the football conditioning aspect of everything, getting back into the groove of things, and knocking that rust off.”
Impact on the field
Since he was drafted in the second round of 2022, Christian Watson allows the Packers’ offense to reach its ceiling. His explosiveness down the field not only provides big plays, but also opens underneath space for the other weapons. And now, it’s the first time rookie Matthew Golden will have the opportunity to take advantage of this structure.
“I feel like just me being out there is going to help open everybody up,” Watson said. “They’ll have to respect my ability to beat them deep, for sure. It’s just another person they have to be wary of. I’ve made plays in my career, and defenses have to respect that.”
The Packers’ offense has been good, but is still looking for consistency. With Watson on the field, the unit can reach its highest level week in and week out.
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