The Green Bay Packers want to take a big step forward on offense this season. Getting wide receiver Christian Watson back healthy would be a major boost. He tore his left ACL in Week 18 of last year, cutting short what was shaping up to be a breakout campaign. Now that OTAs are underway, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur offered a promising update on Watson’s recovery.
LaFleur Optimistic About Watson’s Recovery Timeline
Watson was putting together the best season of his young career before the injury. He finished 2024 with 29 catches on 53 targets for 620 yards—good for 21.4 yards per reception. He also added two touchdowns and chipped in four carries for 23 rushing yards, averaging 5.8 yards per attempt.
Watson’s speed and deep-threat ability have made him a key part of Green Bay’s offense. Getting him back on the field would help open things up for quarterback Jordan Love and the rest of the receiver group. During a media session at OTAs, LaFleur said Watson is progressing well and may even be ahead of schedule.
“Christian is doing outstanding. I would say he’s ahead of schedule.”
Matt LaFleur very optimistic about Christian Watson’s progress rehabbing from ACL tear: “Christian is doing outstanding. I would say he’s ahead of schedule.”
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) May 28, 2025
Even with the positive update, the team hasn’t given a clear timeline for Watson’s return. Since the injury happened in January, he may not be ready for the start of the regular season. That’s why the Packers put extra focus on upgrading the wide receiver room during the NFL Draft.
Packers Invest Heavily in Wide Receiver Depth
With the 23rd overall pick in the first round, the Packers drafted Texas standout Matthew Golden. It marked the first time Green Bay selected a receiver in the first round since Javon Walker in 2002. Golden brings size, hands, and a strong college résumé to a unit that needs playmakers.
The Packers didn’t stop there. They added TCU wideout Savion Williams in the third round, doubling down on their commitment to give Love more reliable options. That’s especially important with Watson working his way back and possibly needing time to return to full speed.
Both rookies will be counted on early to contribute. Romeo Doubs and Jayden Reed remain on the roster, and together with Golden and Williams, the team has a deeper group than it did a year ago. The goal is to keep the offense productive regardless of when Watson returns.
What’s at Stake for Watson and Green Bay?
Watson’s return could be one of the biggest X-factors for the Packers’ offense in 2025. Last season, Green Bay finished eighth in the NFL with an 83.0 Offense+ grade, showing clear signs of progress under Love’s leadership. A healthy Watson could take that even further.
This is also a contract year for Watson. The former second-round pick is entering the final season of his rookie deal, and how he performs after the injury will go a long way in determining his next payday. A strong bounce-back season could lead to a big extension. But if the recovery lingers or he doesn’t produce at the same level, it may complicate long-term plans.
The Packers are clearly building around Love and want to give him every chance to succeed. Getting Watson back at full strength will be a big part of that. For now, the team is encouraged by his recovery and hopeful he can rejoin the lineup sooner rather than later.
