Christian Watson "In A Really Good Spot" In His ACL Rehab
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.
Christian Watson Working Hard In Recovery From Torn ACL
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.
Christian Watson Expected To Be Back Around Midseason In 2025
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.
Christian Watson Unlikely To Be Ready For Start Of 2025 Campaign
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.
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed on Monday that wide receiver Christian Watson (knee) suffered a torn right ACL in the loss to the division-rival Chicago Bears on Sunday in the Week 18 regular-season finale and will miss the rest of the season. "It's not good," LaFleur said. Watson suffered a bruise in his knee in Week 16 against the New Orleans Saints and was held out of the Week 17 loss to the division-rival Minnesota Vikings before returning on Sunday, only to suffer a season-ending injury. It's a big blow to the Packers heading into the postseason, as Watson is one of the team's best deep-threat wideouts. The 25-year-old former second-rounder finishes his third NFL season with only 29 receptions and two touchdowns but with a career-high 620 receiving yards in 15 games. Given the timing of his injury and his reputation as a slow healer, there's a good chance Watson won't be ready for the start of the 2025 campaign.
Christian Watson Believed To Have Suffered A Torn ACL
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.
Christian Watson May Not Be Healthy To Start The Postseason
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.
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.
Christian Watson Suffers Knee Injury, Questionable To Return
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.
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.