After a much-needed bye week, the Green Bay Packers finally got some good news — wide receiver Christian Watson has officially returned to practice. This marks a significant milestone in his recovery from a torn ACL injury suffered earlier this year, giving the Packers a huge boost heading into the second half of the season.
Christian Watson’s Long Road to Recovery
Watson’s injury occurred in the final regular-season game against the Chicago Bears back in January, when he tore his ACL — an injury that usually takes several months to recover from. Because of that, he started the 2025 NFL season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, sidelining him for the first four games.
Following the team’s Week 5 bye, Watson made his first appearance at practice on Monday, signaling that the Packers have officially designated him for return. This move opens a 21-day window for the team to evaluate him and decide whether to activate him to the 53-man roster.
If the Packers fail to do so within those 21 days, Watson will remain on the PUP list for the rest of the season — a scenario the team hopes to avoid.
Watson Speaks on His Return: “It Felt Great”
Speaking to reporters after his first practice back, Watson expressed both relief and excitement:
“It felt great. Obviously, I was super anxious just to get back to football. I feel 100%.”
After nearly nine months of rehabilitation, Watson finally got to put on pads again. While he admitted to feeling a bit “rusty,” he emphasized that his knee felt strong and stable — a critical step toward full recovery.
The 24-year-old receiver added that he’s been “mentally locked in” during his time away, studying film and keeping up with team meetings to stay ready when his number is called.
Packers Also Get Other Key Players Back
Christian Watson isn’t the only one returning for the Packers this week. The team also welcomed back several other players who had been battling injuries:
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Aaron Banks (left guard, groin) and Zach Tom (right tackle, muscle strain) both participated in Monday’s practice.
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Jacob Monk (offensive lineman) was officially designated to return from the PUP list as well, starting his own 21-day window.
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Meanwhile, Anthony Belton (ankle) and Devonte Wyatt (knee) were absent and are still recovering.
This wave of returns comes at the perfect time for Green Bay, who struggled with offensive consistency and protection issues in the first month of the season. With Watson and several linemen back, the offense could regain balance and explosiveness.
Will Watson Play in Week 6 vs. Bengals?
The Packers will face the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 6 — and fans are eager to know whether Watson will suit up.
While his return to practice is a major positive sign, it doesn’t guarantee immediate game action. Head coach Matt LaFleur is expected to take a cautious approach, monitoring Watson’s workload closely before making any activation decisions.
Under NFL rules, teams have 21 days after a PUP player returns to practice to add him to the active roster. If Watson continues to practice well and shows no signs of discomfort, there’s optimism he could be activated before the window closes — possibly even sooner than expected.
Watson himself said he “feels ready,” but emphasized he’ll follow the medical staff’s guidance to ensure a full, safe comeback.
Why Watson’s Return Matters So Much
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A Deep Threat Reborn
Watson’s elite speed and big-play ability are exactly what the Packers’ offense has been missing. His presence forces defenses to stretch vertically, opening up more room for short and intermediate passes. -
Boosting Team Morale
The Packers’ locker room has been upbeat since Watson’s return. Having one of their most dynamic playmakers back on the field brings energy and confidence to the entire offense. -
Easing Pressure on Jordan Love
Quarterback Jordan Love has faced heavy pressure this season, often lacking a reliable deep target. Watson’s return provides a trusted option that can turn broken plays into game-changing moments. -
Playoff Implications
Green Bay currently sits in the middle of the NFC standings. A healthy Watson could be the difference between a playoff push and another rebuilding year.
What to Expect Moving Forward
Even though Watson looks strong in early practices, it’s likely the Packers will limit his snaps initially. After a long layoff, the priority is keeping him healthy for the remainder of the season.
Fans should expect a gradual ramp-up:
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Short routes and limited snaps early on
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Increased targets as chemistry with Jordan Love rebuilds
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Full participation by midseason if all goes well
Meanwhile, the Packers’ medical team will continue to monitor swelling, reaction, and confidence in his knee before clearing him for full-contact game action.
The Bigger Picture for Green Bay
The Packers entered the bye week needing answers. After a 2–3 start, the offense was inconsistent, and the injury list kept growing. But now, with Watson, Banks, Tom, and Monk all trending upward, there’s legitimate reason for optimism.
Offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich said earlier this week:
“Having Christian back changes what we can do schematically. His speed stretches defenses in ways few players can.”
This suggests the Packers could soon reintroduce more deep passing plays — something that’s been missing since Watson went down.
Final Thoughts
Christian Watson’s return to practice is more than just a medical update — it’s a spark of hope for a team that desperately needed one. His combination of speed, length, and athleticism makes him one of the Packers’ most dangerous weapons, and getting him back could redefine their offensive identity.
While it remains uncertain when exactly he’ll suit up again, the signs are overwhelmingly positive. If his knee continues to respond well, Packers fans may not have to wait long to see No. 9 back in action — and when that happens, expect the Green Bay offense to look completely different.
