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First Packers OTA nugget provides hope on Christian Watson's injury recovery and what it means for his 2025 outlook

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Wendell Ferreira | Last updated May 28, 2025 2:54 PM ET

It's still early in Christian Watson's recovery process from a knee injury he suffered in Week 18, but initial signs are as positive as they could be. In the first OTA practice open to the media in Green Bay, the wide receiver joined the team for a stretch period.

He was not in a red non-contact jersey, but that's because he won't do any team activity anyway. However, Watson was moving decently well and was able to flex his knee.

After rookie minicamp, head coach Matt LaFleur had already shared a positive update about Watson's recovery.

"He looks like a freak like he always does, in a positive way," LaFleur said. "He's been great, he's been outstanding. Just great attitude and he's working hard."

Christian Watson tore his ACL on Jan. 5 against the Chicago Bears. Usually, ACL tears take something around 10 months for the player to be ready. If the wide receiver follows this trajectory, Watson would be ready to play in Week 10, on Nov. 10, against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lambeau Field. He would miss eight regular season games.

More practice notes:

> Cornerback Jaire Alexander and center Elgton Jenkins were not on the field. OTAs are voluntary, but both players have incentives tied to workout attendance. The other players not present were guard John Williams and cornerback Tyron Herring.

> Rookie wide receiver Savion Williams was in a non-contact jersey.

> Linebacker Quay Walker, running back MarShawn Lloyd, defensive tackle Nesta Jade Silvera, defensive end Jeremiah Martin, and tight end John FitzPatrick were with the rehab group. Defensive tackle Warren Brinson and edge rusher Collin Oliver also spent a part of practice there.

> The first starting offensive line had Rasheed Walker - Aaron Banks - Sean Rhyan/Jacob Monk- Jacob Monk/Sean Rhyan - Zach Tom. With Jenkins not present, Rhyan predictably moved back and forth from right guard to center. The relative surprise is that Monk took reps over Jordan Morgan, who was taking left tackle snaps with the twos, and Anthony Belton. Rhyan and Monk split center and right guard snaps. Later on, Morgan also had right guard snaps.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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