The Green͏ Bay Packers’ offense could͏ soon regain͏ one ͏of͏ its most dynamic ͏playmakers, ͏and the ͏timing couldn’t be more critical. As ͏the NFC contenders prepare for ͏the ͏heart of their 2͏0͏25͏ campaign, all eyes are on wide receiver Christian Watso͏n, and the latest development͏ in his recovery signals a͏ major shift ahead.
Christian Watson Takes Crucial Step Toward Packers Return
The Packers ÍŹreceived a significant boost this week when ChristianÍŹ Watson returned to practice for the first time since tearing his AÍŹCL in Week 18ÍŹ of ÍŹthe ÍŹ20ÍŹ24 season.
According to Matt Sch͏neidm͏an of The Athletic, Watson’s “21-day window to return ͏is now open,͏” allowing the͏ team to͏ activate him from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP͏) list within that period.
Christian Watson is practicing for the first time since tearing his ACL in Week 18 last season. His 21-day window to return is now open. pic.twitter.com/dqNEcdUWdh
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) October 6, 2025
The 26-year-old wideout suffered the injury on January 5 against the Chicago Bears and has spent the past nine months recovering. His progress has been ahead of schedule, with teammates even joking that his rehab looked “too good” for someone less than a year removed from surgery.
That optimism was visible on the field, as Schneidman reported Watson participating in movement drills, route running, and pass-catching, all without visible limitations.
Watson himself has been confident about his recovery, telling USA Today’s Ryan Wood, “If it was the NFC Championship Game tomorrow, I’d be able to go out there and feel confident.” That confidence could soon translate into on-field production, which the Packers desperately need.
Christian Watson said he felt 100% practicing today. Still has some rust to knock off after nine months away.
“Obviously I was super anxious to just be able to get back to football. It meant a lot to me to be able to get out there.” pic.twitter.com/Tp7ArsTvAC
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) October 6, 2025
Watson’s absence has been felt despite Green Bay’s offensive success under quarterback Jordan Love. Last season, he recorded 29 receptions for a career-high 620 yards and two touchdowns, averaging an impressive 21.4 yards per catch. The team rewarded his contributions with a one-year, $13.25 million extension during his rehab.
His return would also come at a pivotal time. Green Bay’s receiving corps has been tested after Jayden Reed, last season’s leading receiver, fractured his collarbone and was placed on injured reserve.
Until Watson is fully cleared, Romeo Doubs and rookie Matthew Golden will continue to lead the group, with tight end Tucker Kraft emerging as Love’s top target through four games.
WÍŹatsonÍŹ was not the only key player back on the field Monday. Offensive linemen ZachÍŹ Tom and Aaron Banks, along with ÍŹcornerbackÍŹ NatÍŹe Hobbs, also returned to practice, offering the Packers a much-needed boost in depth and stability.
With a 2-1-1 record and a͏ top͏-10 passing ͏offense, Green Bay͏ remains firmly in the NFC ͏playoff picture.͏ If Wat͏so͏n and the other returning players can regain full strength, the Packers could become one of͏ the conference’s most complete and dangerous teams as the ͏season progresses.