The Green Bay Packers started the season at full throttle. Wins over the Detroit Lions and Washington Commanders, both playoff teams last year, showcased the team’s strength on defense and offense, an area where they are still searching for a true lead wide receiver.
One of the most intriguing players on the roster is Christian Watson. He brings a skill set the Packers don’t currently have, at least not with the same ceiling as Watson. Here’s when the wide receiver is expected to return to the field and the details of his injury.
When Will Christian Watson Return to Action?
Watson’s career so far has been defined by flashes of potential and a lack of consistency, largely tied to the number of injuries he has dealt with in his three NFL seasons. He has yet to complete a full season, and every strong stretch has been interrupted by another setback.
Drafted in the second round with the 34th pick in the 2022 Draft out of North Dakota State, Watson profiles as a tall, fast wide receiver who can win contested catches and stretch the field vertically, a perfect match for Jordan Love’s skill set as a quarterback.
In a Green Bay offense that still lacks a clear WR1, there was hope Watson could grow into that role. But a torn ACL suffered in the final regular-season game against the Chicago Bears knocked him out of the playoffs and delayed his 2025 debut.
Christian Watson can run, cut, plant on his knee as he returns from torn ACL. Asked him if he’s ready to play.
“If it was the NFC championship game tomorrow, I’d be able to go out there and feel confident.”
Two weeks until his practice window opens, #Packers WR feels good.
— Ryan Wood (@ByRyanWood) September 15, 2025
Watson has battled multiple injuries throughout his short NFL career, but this was by far the most serious. Previously, he dealt with recurring hamstring issues in his second season that limited him to just nine games, along with ankle problems and a concussion. The knee injury, however, was the toughest to overcome.
He entered the season in a similar situation to San Francisco 49ers wideout Brandon Aiyuk, with both starting on the PUP list, meaning they cannot return until Week 6. For Watson, with the Packers on a Week 5 bye, that pushes his first possible return to practice to Week 6.
Recently, the Packers lost wide receiver Jayden Reed for at least four weeks with a fractured collarbone that landed him on injured reserve. That makes Watson’s role even more critical once he’s back, especially since Matthew Golden has struggled to start the season and still looks to be adjusting to the system.
The Packers extended Watson’s contract through 2026, giving him more security as he recovers this season and another opportunity to prove himself on the field. When healthy, he has shown he can be a key piece in Matt LaFleur’s system and a target who expands Love’s passing game.
