Green Bay Packers fans have gone nearly 10 months without seeing Christian Watson on the field, but the deep-threat receiver is now voicing his eagerness to return. After tearing his ACL in the final game of the 2024 regular season, Watson's recovery could result in him seeing the field this Sunday, bailing the Packers out of a wide receiver emergency.
Watson has voiced his excitement about his return, which would be a primetime matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, explaining, "Obviously just leaving it up to the trainers, but my goal and my plan is to play this week."
The fourth-year player won't be rushed back without a thumbs-up from Green Bay's trainers. In fact, after the Week 1 victory over the Detroit Lions, the Packers signed Watson to a one-year extension, which provided him with a cushion and pushed any thoughts of contract negotiations to next season.
Head coach Matt LaFleur is loving his receiver's enthusiasm. When asked about the potential to see Watson on the field for Sunday's game, he chuckled, saying, "That's a great mindset to have. I want all our guys to have that mindset, but ultimately, that's going to be a medical decision."
Christian Watson's potential return couldn't come at a better time for Packers
However, a return this week would be perfect timing, especially with Dontayvion Wicks suffering a calf injury against the Arizona Cardinals, throwing his availability into question.
"I would not anticipate that," LaFleur said when asked about the possibility of Wicks practicing this week.
The fact that LaFleur is doubtful of Wicks seeing any practice time is worrying. The Packers' receiver corps already took a hit earlier this season after Jayden Reed broke his collarbone, keeping him out until at least Week 10, and now Wicks will likely be sidelined for at least a week.
While Romeo Doubs and Matthew Golden have had breakout games this season, a solid defense like Pittsburgh may find ways to limit their production if the Packers choose to elevate Malik Heath or Savion Williams to WR3. However, a green light for Watson would provide a boost the team desperately needs.
The return of Green Bay's explosive receiver could be the perfect answer to the sudden sidelining of Wicks and might just be the key to Green Bay's first road victory against the Steelers since 1970.