The Green Bay Packers have, unfortunately, seen three of their starters go down with injuries in the first two weeks of the season. Right tackle Zach Tom and left guard Aaron Banks each missed Green Bay’s Week Two game against the Washington Commanders with various ailments. Wide receiver Jayden Reed broke his collar bone in that game, too, and will be out for 6-8 weeks.
Reed’s injury is, fortunately, one that the Packers can overcome thanks to their depth at wide receiver. This past offseason, they added Matthew Golden and Savion Williams in the 2025 NFL Draft, and still have Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks, and Malik Heath on their roster.
Additionally, it sounds like they will be getting Christian Watson back sooner rather than later.
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson could play if they were in the NFC Championship Game right now
Dec 23, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (9) rushes with the football during the second quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Towards the end of the 2024 NFL season, in the final game of the year, Watson tore his ACL, leaving many to wonder if/when he would be able to play in 2025.
Typically, the recovery time for torn ACL’s is around 10-12 months, leading many to believe he would not be back until November at the earliest.
But all offseason, Watson has shown that he is progressing ahead of schedule, and was recently clocked running over 22 miles per hour during a rehab session.
However, since he started the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, he must sit out Green Bay’s first four games. Since he is already running at full speed, cutting, and able to plant his knee, some are beginning to believe he could return in Week Six after Green Bay’s Week Five bye.
When asked about whether or not he is ready, Watson said, “If it was the NFC championship game tomorrow, I’d be able to go out there and feel confident.”
Green Bay Packers fans are excited to get Christian Watson back
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (9) makes a 60-yard reception during the fourth quarter of their game Sunday, November 17, 2024, at Solider Field in Chicago, Illinois. The Green Bay Packers beat the Chicago Bears 20-19.
With Reed until around Thanksgiving himself, fans were more than happy to hear that Watson feels so close to return, as one can see from their reactions on social media:
Mannnn can’t wait for 9 to return!! https://t.co/l0zAGxHTtX
— CamRon McKinney (@mrkilla921) September 15, 2025
Big dawg almost back🔥🔥 https://t.co/rwqQ8d1buH
— Good Fella Pack🧀 (@LockEmUpHerb) September 15, 2025
You love to see it. https://t.co/zoTJoTG78U
— Mizter Perfect (@TheMarcusGraham) September 15, 2025
Watch out, @NFL https://t.co/tRm4ElA8xK
— Brandon Sneide (@Brandon_Sneide) September 15, 2025
Of all the players taken in the 2022 NFL Draft, Watson entered the year tied for second in career touchdown receptions (14). Only Doubs and Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London (15) had more.
Since the season started, Doubs has added a touchdown while London has not found the endzone.
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