Christian Watson injury update: Matt LaFleur gives latest on Packers WR’s ACL recovery

Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur gave an encouraging update on Christian Watson‘s ACL recovery. While speaking to reporters on Wednesday, LaFleur said the veteran wide receiver is making progress.

“Christian is doing outstanding,” Matt LaFleur said, per Ryan Wood of PackersNews.com. “I would say he’s ahead of schedule, but I’m not a doctor. I’m not medical staff. So we’ll see where he’s at.”

Christian Watson tore his ACL in the Packers’ final game of the season on Jan. 5. It’s likely that Watson will return to the lineup in October if he continues to be ahead of schedule. But as LaFleur alluded to, it all depends on what the doctors say and where Watson is once the season begins.

“He looked good,” receiver Jayden Reed said. “He looks like he’s getting back a lot faster than he’s supposed to be. So he’s been doing a great job with his treatment, coming in, taking care of his body. Hopefully, he comes back as soon as possible.”

Christian Watson says his recovery is ‘going really well’

Watson finished the 2024 season with 29 receptions for 620 yards and two touchdowns. In his three seasons in Green Bay, the former North Dakota State star has caught 98 passes for 1,653 yards and 14 TDs.

“I wouldn’t count him out just because I know his work ethic and how he approaches things,” Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said at the NFL Annual Meeting in March, per the team’s official website. “Certainly, it won’t shock me at all if he’s a big factor for us this season, but at the same time, we have to make sure we’re protecting him in case that doesn’t happen.”

Earlier this month, Watson spoke to reporters about his health. “Definitely happy to be back,” Watson said, per Ellie French of Fox 11. “Being around the guys, it’s always a little different when you’re around the team. A little bit more life to the party. But recovery’s going really well, I’m in a really, really good spot. Just keeping the mentality there. Just working. I’ve got a couple more months ahead of me, but I’m attacking it every day. I’m in a really good spot.”