The Green Bay Packers have been eagerly anticipating Christian Watson’s return. He has been sidelined since the start of the season after suffering a major injury late last year. While the Packers have managed well with a committee approach at wide receiver, getting Watson back as a true WR1 could bring much-needed stability and balance to their offense.
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (9) is tended to after being injured during the second quarter of their game Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Chicago Bears beat the Green Bay Packers 24-22.
The Packers may have just dropped a hint about Christian Watson’s looming comeback. Reporter Rob Demovsky revealed that the team is parting ways with tight end Ben Sims, a move he believes could open the door for Watson’s return. According to Demovsky, the roster adjustment positions Green Bay to bring back their top wideout sooner rather than later.
“The Packers are releasing TE Ben Sims, per source. That likely means they’re activating WR Christian Watson off PUP and keeping two kickers at least for another week,” ESPN’s Rob Demovsky wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Christian Watson’s Packers return
Nov 28, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (9) celebrates while holding a turkey leg on his way off the field following the game against the Miami Dolphins at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Watson suffered a major ACL injury in the closing week of the 2024 NFL season. He was one of the Packers’ top receivers last year, finishing third on the team with 620 yards. His catching wasn’t always reliable, with 29 receptions on 53 targets, but his ability to break off big plays played an important role in Green Bay’s offense.
The 26-year-old could make his long-awaited return from injury this Sunday when the Packers face Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers on the road. The anticipation for his 2025 debut grew after Watson shared a video on social media, starting with a clip of his injury against the Chicago Bears and following it with a highlight reel of his best moments in Green Bay.
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed (11) catches a second quarter touchdown pass against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.
Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
With leading receiver Jayden Reed still out, Watson could have a strong opportunity to climb to the top of the Packers’ wide receiver hierarchy. Romeo Doubs and rookie Matthew Golden have shared targets, while Dontayvion Wicks remains in the mix. The tight ends have also seen their chances, with Tucker Kraft emerging as the most reliable among them. No one has solidified the WR1 role, giving Watson a clear path to take over.