The Green Bay Packers are spoiled for choice as far as wide receivers go, and reinforcements are on the way once former top pick Christian Watson returns to full health from a nasty knee injury that has sidelined him for the first chunk of the 2025 season.
With Jayden Reed on IR after a collarbone injury and first-round pick Matthew Golden failing to have the transformative effect many hoped he would have had on this offense, Watson's return might be even more impactful than previously thought. The North Dakota State product might be closer to coming back than many anticipated.
Watson returned to practice for the first time in almost 300 days as the Packers ramp things up following their bye week. The 21-day window to activate Watson begins now, meaning there is a very good chance that he is back on the field catching passes from Jordan Love within a few weeks.
Packers WR Christian Watson returns to practice early after ACL tear
Watson has been up and down throughout his tenure with the Packers, but few can doubt that he is a unique physical prospect who can be one of the best playmakers in the Green Bay offensive attack if he is feeling alright physically.
Watson will take on the role of field-stretcher in an offense that could use a downfield threat following the loss of Reed. With Golden making his name as a speed demon who could get downfield, look for this offense to change around and become a bit more vertical.
When Reed is healthy, the hydra of him, Watson, and Romeo Doubs with Golden, Dontayvion Wicks, and fellow rookie Savion Williams in supporting roles could give Green Bay the deepest wide receiver room in the NFL. Even a limited Watson is better than many of the wideouts being trotted out there in the NFL.
Watson's quick recovery has to be a wonderful surprise for a Packers team that is stil treating him like a big part of their future on the offensive side of the ball. If he is anything like what he was pre-injury, his return could help set Green Bay apart in the crowded NFC.