Perhaps the worst part of the Green Bay Packers’ 2024 season, aside from it ending in the first round of the playoffs, was the ACL tear that wide receiver Christian Watson suffered in the regular season finale against the Chicago Bears.
But with Watson showing up on the practice field for warmups at OTAs last week, it has to be wondered when he will return to the lineup in full force.
Matt LaFleur’s Latest Update on Christian Watson
While Watson was seen by reporters working out on the side during OTAs, that prompted those same reporters to ask Packers head coach Matt LaFleur about when Watson could be ready to play games this season.
LaFleur stated that his speedy wide receiver isn’t expected back until midseason (via insider Mike Clemens).
It was encouraging seeing WR Christian Watson go through warmups with his teammates today at the #Packers OTA practices. Matt LaFleur says they don’t expect him back until “mid-season” but acknowledged how hard he’s been working to come back from that ACL injury suffered Jan. 5th pic.twitter.com/DrnLS5tgt7
— Mike Clemens (@MikeClemensNFL) May 29, 2025
It makes complete sense that this would be the expectation, especially when you consider the fact that the former North Dakota State star tore his knee up just five months ago.
Knowing how the Green Bay Packers operate with players who have significant injuries, this type of expectation makes the most sense.
Watson has more than battled injuries throughout his Packers career (has played in 38 total regular-season games out of a possible 51).
Which Packers Wide Receivers Will Step Up Without Christian Watson?
The good news for LaFleur and the Green Bay offense is that the cast of skill players, especially at wide receiver, is very deep.
Fourth-year wide receiver Romeo Doubs could be the man that quarterback Jordan Love goes to in big situations, and the same could be said for slot man Dontayvion Wicks.
Third-year wide receiver Jayden Reed is coming off a season in which he recorded over 1,000 all-purpose yards.
Packers GM Brian Gutekunst drafted first-round wide receiver Matthew Golden out of Texas, as well as third-round wide receiver Savion Williams out of TCU, this offseason.
Finally, former Super Bowl champion Mecole Hardman joined the team on a one-year free-agent deal this offseason.
Love will also be able to rely upon starting tight end Tucker Kraft and All-Pro running back Josh Jacobs on certain passing downs, as well.
Watson returning in the middle of the season could be the icing on the cake for what might be a Super Bowl offense on Lombardi Avenue this season.
