The Green Bay Packers’ wide receiver room is in crisis. With deep threat Christian Watson already sidelined while recovering from a major injury, the team suffered another devastating blow when top slot receiver Jayden Reed went down. Now, all eyes are on Watson’s recovery timeline as the Packers scramble to keep their offense afloat and salvage their season.
What Is the Latest on Christian Watson’s Recovery and Return Timeline?
Christian Watson tore his ACL in the Packers’ regular-season finale against the Chicago Bears in January 2025, an injury that ended his 2024 campaign and sidelined him for the playoffs. Before the injury, he had recorded 29 receptions for 620 yards and two touchdowns across 15 games.
Heading into the 2025 season, Watson was placed on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list at the start of training camp. The Packers later extended his contract with a one-year deal, giving him financial stability while he rehabs.
Due to the PUP list rules, Watson must miss at least the first four games of the regular season. With the Packers’ bye in Week 5, Week 6 is now considered the earliest realistic point he can begin practicing, according to team statements and media reports. While Watson has not yet resumed full contact practice, he has expressed confidence in his knee’s ability to cut, run, and plant, signaling progress in his recovery.
Christian Watson Ready To Practice In Week 6
Packers WR Christian Watson (knee) expects to be ready to practice when first eligible leading up to Week 6. He’s currently on the PUP list, working back from his January ACL tear. pic.twitter.com/6CCiJljYmX
— Draft Sharks (@DraftSharks) September 16, 2025
The urgency for Watson’s return has grown significantly after Jayden Reed, the Packers’ top slot receiver, broke his collarbone in the Week 2 win over the Washington Commanders. Reed also underwent surgery to address a lingering Jones fracture in his left foot, which he originally sustained during the preseason. According to head coach Matt LaFleur, Reed is expected to miss “a lot of time,” with reports estimating a six-to-eight week absence.
In the meantime, the Packers are leaning more heavily on veterans Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks, along with rookie Matthew Golden, to fill the void. Mecole Hardman, who was signed in the offseason, did not make the final 53-man roster but remains with the organization on the practice squad, providing another potential option.
Watson recently told reporters that the contract extension helped reduce pressure, allowing him to focus entirely on his recovery instead of rushing back to the field. He emphasized his desire to return at full strength rather than risk another injury.
“It was really just to take that pressure off myself, so I can go out there when I get back and just play free,” he said. “It’s definitely a blessing. It means a lot to me, and I’m glad we were able to get it done.”
While Week 6 remains the earliest projection for Watson’s practice window to open, sources caution this is not a guarantee. The Packers organization has a track record of being conservative with ACL recoveries, and Watson has not yet been cleared for contact drills. If his rehab continues to go well and all medical benchmarks are met without setbacks, he may begin to see game action later in the season.
However, with Reed out, the Packers are already adjusting their offensive flow, carefully weighing every decision about Watson’s eventual return to ensure he can contribute without compromising his long-term durability.
