According to Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, there's been discussions about opening the practice window for wide receiver Christian Watson (knee) after the team returns from the Week 5 bye. The wideout has indicated in previous weeks that was the plan. However, fantasy managers will need to wait for an official update regarding his status. Watson had a down year in 2024, amassing a career-low two touchdown catches. He also suffered a torn ACL during a meeting with the Chicago Bears back in January. With Jayden Reed (collarbone, foot) sitting on the Injured Reserve list, the Packers could certainly use Watson back in the equation. With that said, he'll likely be limited for at least a few weeks upon his return, so his fantasy ceiling won't be as high as usual. Green Bay will have 21 days to activate Watson once he's designated to return. If not, he'll miss the remainder of the 2025 campaign.
Oct 4, 2025 7:48 PM EST
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson praised rookie wide receivers Savion Williams and Matthew Golden this week, saying the pair of first-year players are "already putting really good stuff on film," according to The Athletic. Watson, who is still rehabbing from another knee surgery, is eyeing a return later this season. For now, the Packers could use a helping hand while Watson and Jayden Reed (collarbone) are out, and Williams certainly could be one of the players who sees more work. Williams drew two designed runs for 24 yards in Week 2 and has flashed as a kicker returner. For now, he's mostly a dynasty stash, but he could become a hot waiver-wire addition if he keeps earning more playing time.
Sep 18, 2025 9:59 AM EST
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (knee) said he expects to return to practice when his window to do so opens in Week 6, although it will ultimately be up to the training staff. Watson opened the year on the Physically Unable to Perform list after tearing his ACL in Week 18 in 2024. He's eligible to return to practice in Week 5, but the Packers have their bye that week before facing the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 6. The 26-year-old said he's checked all the boxes in his recovery before returning to practice. Once he returns to practice, Green Bay will have 21 days to activate him from the PUP list. "I'm already chomping at the bit," Watson said. The former second-rounder caught 98 passes for 1,653 yards and 14 touchdowns in 38 games in his first three seasons. Watson can stretch the field vertically and pick up chunk gains for fantasy managers. He could also have a bigger role if he returns before Jayden Reed, who broke his collarbone in Week 2. Watson has been boom or bust in fantasy, but he's worth stashing in an IR spot with his 2025 debut on the horizon.
Sep 16, 2025 5:44 PM EST
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (knee) said he anticipates returning to practice when his window opens up, according to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic. Watson will be on the Physically Unable to Perform list through Week 4 after tearing his right ACL in the Week 18 regular-season finale last year. With Green Bay's bye coming in Week 5, he may be ready to make his 2025 debut in Week 6, when the team hosts the Cincinnati Bengals at Lambeau Field. The 26-year-old probably won't be ready by Week 6, but reports this summer suggested he was making excellent progress in his recovery. Fellow wideout Jayden Reed (collarbone) is currently out six to eight weeks, so Watson could have a substantial role in the passing attack sooner than later when he returns. Mostly a deep threat, fantasy managers should consider stashing him in an IR spot if he's available on the waiver wire.
Sep 15, 2025 5:35 PM EST
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (knee) has agreed to a one-year, $13.25 million contract extension, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports. The deal will keep Watson in Green Bay through 2026. Watson joined the Packers as a second-round pick from North Dakota State in 2022 and has since averaged around 13 games, 33 catches, 551 yards, and five touchdowns per season. After the 6-foot-4, 208-pound deep threat tore his right ACL in Week 18 last year, he opened this season on the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform list. Watson will miss at least the Packers' first four games as a result. When he does return, Watson will be part of a crowded group of targets for quarterback Jordan Love. Even without Watson, the Packers still boast Romeo Doubs, first-round rookie Matthew Golden, Jayden Reed, and Dontayvion Wicks as their top four WRs. They also have a strong pass-catching tight end in Tucker Kraft.
Sep 9, 2025 9:08 PM EST
The Green Bay Packers officially placed wide receiver Christian Watson (knee) on the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform list on Tuesday, according to Packers.com writer Wes Hodkiewicz. This was always the expectation for Watson after he tore the ACL in his right knee in the Week 18 regular-season finale late last year, and now it's official. The move means that the 26-year-old will miss at least the first four games of the 2025 campaign despite the fact that he was getting glowing reviews during his rehab during training camp this summer. His first chance to make his season debut will come in Week 6 on Oct. 12 against the Cincinnati Bengals -- the Packers have a bye in Week 5. Green Bay is probably going to ease Watson back when he's ready, so fantasy managers in 12-team leagues can probably stay away for now, especially given the crowded nature of the team's receiving room.
Aug 26, 2025 6:06 PM EST
Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said that wide receiver Christian Watson (knee) will likely start the regular season on the Physically Unable to Peform list. It means that Watson will have to miss at least the first four games of the year after tearing his ACL late last year, but Gutekunst said that Watson will be "chomping at the bit" to after that. "It's gonna take a lot of us to hold him back," Gutekunst said. The Packers have their bye in Week 5, so barring a setback in his recovery, it seems very plausible that the 26-year-old pass-catcher will be able to make his 2025 debut in a Week 6 showdown against the Cincinnati Bengals. When Watson returns, he'll be battling for targets in a crowded receiver room alongside Jayden Reed, Rombeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks and rookie first-rounder Matthew Golden.
Aug 12, 2025 1:30 PM EST
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson is on the right track in his recovery from an ACL injury that he suffered in January. Watson is set to begin the season on the active/PUP list, but he reportedly does not look like someone who is in the process of recovering from a significant knee injury. The 2022 second-round pick is one of the most explosive size and speed threats at the receiver position when healthy, and adds an element to the Green Bay offense that is missed when he is not on the field. His 21.4 yards per reception last season ranked second in the league among wide receivers. It's a positive sign to see him moving like himself early on, and it makes him an intriguing upside bet to make late in drafts and stash on the injured list.
Aug 4, 2025 11:05 PM EST
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (knee), who suffered a torn ACL near the end of last season, is recovering well, according to general manager Brian Gutekunst. Gutekunst said his rehab is going "great," and the former North Dakota State speedster did a test run earlier in the week. "It's an ACL, so we're going to take our time with him," Gutekunst said. "But he's pressing to get out there." Watson has missed 13 games through the first three seasons of his pro career since being selected in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Overall, he has hauled in 98 of his 172 targets for 1,653 yards and 14 touchdowns. It's a positive sign that he is recovering quickly, but his fantasy prospects are tough to believe in based on what we've seen thus far and the addition of Texas wideout Matthew Golden in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Jul 23, 2025 3:45 PM EST
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (knee) has been placed on the active/physically unable to perform list on Friday. This was expected to happen given the fact Watson tore his ACL in Week 18 of last year. Normally, this kind of injury takes around 10-12 months of rehab before getting back on the field. He posted a video earlier this summer of him running routes, but he's still not close to being ready to play. It's unclear at this point how much the Packers are going to get from Watson this season. Without Watson available, Jayden Reed, Matthew Golden, and Romeo Doubs figure to be the primary wideouts to begin the season.
Jul 18, 2025 6:40 PM EST
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (knee) told FOX reporter Ellie French that he is in a "really good spot" in his rehab following a torn ACL last January. The speedster finally stayed healthy for most of the 2024 campaign after lingering hamstring issues in 2023, but the significant knee injury cost him the NFC Wild Card matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles and puts his future in question. After Green Bay selected Matthew Golden in the first round and Savion Williams in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Watson's days in Green Bay could be numbered. The North Dakota State product has flashed upside and speed in short spurts, but his injury misfortune has limited his ability to be a consistent contributor. Through his first 38 regular-season games, Watson has collected 98 receptions for 1,653 yards and 14 touchdowns.
May 6, 2025 3:32 PM EST
Per Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, wide receiver Christian Watson (knee) is doing well in his recovery from a torn right ACL that he suffered in early January of this year. "He's been outstanding. Great attitude and he's working hard. That's all you can ask of anybody," LaFleur said. It's good to hear that Watson's attitude has been great during a grueling rehab, but he's still probably unlikely to be ready for the start of the 2025 regular season this fall. The 25-year-old's serious knee injury is part of the reason the Packers broke their long run of taking a wideout in the first round when they selected former Texas pass-catcher Matthew Golden with the 23rd overall pick. Green Bay doubled down on receiver depth and took Savion Williams in the third round. Not only will Watson potentially miss half the season, but the Packers' wideout room just became a lot more crowded.
May 2, 2025 11:12 PM EST
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (knee) had his ACL surgery and is expected to be back around the midway point of the 2025 season, according to The Athletic's Matt Schneidman. "Doing well. He's got a lot in front of him, but I expect him to attack it like he does everything else everything so far's been really good. He's been through this before, so he knows what to expect. It's a big injury. It may take some time, but he's got the right mindset, positive attitude toward it," general manager Brian Gutekunst said. The 25-year-old wideout tore his ACL in Week 18 against the Bears and finished his third year in the NFL with 29 catches (53 targets) for a career-high 620 receiving yards and a career-low two touchdowns in 15 starts. Known as a slow healer, it wouldn't be a surprise if Watson's recovery lingers into the second half. In standard 12-team leagues this fall, Watson will most likely go undrafted.
Feb 25, 2025 9:09 PM EST
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (knee) is not expected to be ready for the start of the 2025 season after suffering a torn ACL in the Week 18 loss to the Chicago Bears. The 25-year-old has been plagued by the injury bug through the first three seasons of his NFL career, missing 13 regular-season games since being selected in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. His potential delayed start to next season comes as no surprise given the timing of the major injury, and the Packers could look to bring in more wide receiver options via free agency or the 2025 NFL Draft. It won't be a surprise if Watson starts next season on the PUP list, meaning he'd be forced to sit out at least the first four games.
Jan 21, 2025 2:40 PM EST
Green Bay Packers standout wide receiver Christian Watson (knee) is believed to have suffered a torn right ACL and additional damage to his knee in the loss to the division-rival Chicago Bears on Sunday in the Week 18 regular-season finale. It will put an end to Watson's season for the playoffs and also put him in jeopardy for the start of the 2025 regular season this fall. The 25-year-old former second-rounder in 2022 out of North Dakota State was held out of the Week 17 loss to the division-rival Minnesota Vikings due to a bruised knee he suffered the week prior, but he returned on Sunday and suffered a non-contact injury in the second quarter before being carted off. The oft-injured pass-catcher has lots of big-play ability but has struggled to stay on the field in his three seasons. Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks and tight end Tucker Kraft should all benefit in the playoffs with Watson sidelined.
Jan 6, 2025 12:42 PM EST
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (knee) exited Sunday's game against the Bears. There is hope he'll be ready for the postseason. However, head coach Matt LaFleur was "unsure" about his status moving ahead. Things don't look good at the moment regarding Watson's availability to begin the playoffs. Of course, there will be updates on his condition moving ahead. But if Watson doesn't suit up, it will likely mean more targets for Dontayvion Wicks and Jayden Reed, with Josh Jacobs getting more work out of the backfield.
Jan 5, 2025 6:17 PM EST
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (knee) has officially been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears. He suffered a knee injury in the second quarter and the team will play it on the cautious side. Watson finishes the game with one target and no catches. Dontayvion Wicks, Jayden Reed, and Tucker Kraft have been the leading pass-catchers for the Packers in this game so far. Watson's status is worth monitoring heading into wildcard weekend for any DFS managers.
Jan 5, 2025 2:50 PM EST
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (knee) left Sunday's game against the Chicago Bears with an apparent knee injury and the team has ruled him questionable to return. The third-year receiver has appeared on the injury report a handful of times this season, so they may take the cautious route with the playoffs right around the corner. He saw one target but didn't register any stats before leaving. Dontayvion Wicks and Tucker Kraft have seen the bulk of the targets so far in this game.
Jan 5, 2025 2:17 PM EST
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (knee) is officially active for Sunday's Week 18 contest against the Chicago Bears. He had been listed as questionable. The 25-year-old returns from a one-game absence to play in the Packers' regular-season finale. Watson's highest yardage total of the season came against the Bears back in Week 11 when he caught all four of his passes for a whopping 150 yards through the air. While he'll hope to replicate that performance this Sunday, that's far from guaranteed. He's averaging just 1.8 catches, 27.4 yards, and zero touchdowns over his last five contests, and he's not a dependable option for fantasy lineups in leagues with 12 or fewer teams.
Jan 5, 2025 12:02 PM EST
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (knee) returned to a limited practice on Friday and is listed as questionable to play in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday at Lambeau Field against the division-rival Chicago Bears. Friday's practice session was the first Watson was able to attend since suffering a bruised left knee in the 34-0 win over the New Orleans Saints in Week 16. "It was good, it really was," said head coach Matt LaFleur of Watson's return. "It was good to get him back out there, kind of get him back in the flow of things. So that was, that was encouraging." The 25-year-old's return to practice on Friday means he's making progress, but we still expect the Packers to play it safe and hold the oft-injured receiver out in the regular-season finale so that he'll be ready to go for the playoffs next week. It's unclear how long Green Bay might play their starters on Sunday, giving them all considerably more risk in fantasy lineups.
Jan 3, 2025 6:42 PM EST
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