Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love has looked like an MVP contender in the early part of the season, even without his top receiver, Christian Watson. The fourth-year wideout has yet to play a game in 2025, but recent reports suggest his recovery is trending in the right direction. Watson tore his right ACL earlier this year in January against the Chicago Bears, suffering a non-contact injury in the second quarter while planting and cutting.
Will Christian Watson Play in Week 6?
Watson began the 2025 season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, which, by rule, keeps a player out for at least the first four games and prohibits practice until that period has passed. With the Packers on a bye in Week 5, Watson’s 21-day window to return was officially opened on Monday, October 6.
Watson participated in practice on Wednesday as a limited participant in individual drills, indicating that it may still be a long shot for him to play on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. Head coach Matt LaFleur acknowledged the possibility of giving him some reps but emphasized the need for patience with his return.
“There’s just certain criteria that the medical staff is going to go through before we allow a guy to get out there,” LaFleur said, “and certainly it’s a long-term play.”
On Friday, LaFleur confirmed that Watson will not play in Week 6.
LaFleur said Christian Watson has looked “pretty damn good” this week, but he won’t play Sunday.
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) October 10, 2025
LaFleur also expressed excitement about having a dynamic playmaker returning to the Packers’ offense.
“Here’s a guy that’s so impactful,” LaFleur said. “There’s very few that are as big and strong and as fast as Christian Watson, and then you combine the fact he’s got a brilliant mind. I mean, the things he can do in game, I don’t think anyone can truly appreciate in regards to, hey, you’re the Z on this play, and then you’re going to F on this play, and then you’re going to X on the next play. His ability to process and get out there and get aligned correctly and know what everybody is doing is pretty remarkable.”
Watson, who signed a one-year, $13.25 million extension this offseason, totaled 29 receptions for 620 yards and two touchdowns in 2024. Remarkably, he only had two dropped passes, making him one of the most reliable receivers on a team that struggled with drops.
With his speed and the emergence of rookie Matthew Golden, the Packers’ offense, which ranks 10th in PFSN’s Offensive Impact metric, could see more big-play opportunities, something the team has been in desperate need of this season.
