Packers' Christian Watson Return Timeline Gets Some Clarity 1 Green Bay wide receiver Christian Watson (9) is injured as he is tackled by Minnesota Vikings safety Josh Metellus (44) during their football game Sunday, September 29, 2024, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Packers’ Christian Watson Return Timeline Gets Some Clarity

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Matt Lombardo | Last updated Aug 12, 2025 12:16 PM ET

The Green Bay Packers received some encouraging news on wide receiver Christian Watson’s chances of playing in 2025.

According to Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst, Watson is “ahead of the curve,” as he works his way back from a torn ACL suffered in the regular season finale against the Chicago Bears, back in January.

Where Things Stand for Packers WR Christian Watson’s Rehab

In all likelihood, Watson will open the season on the Physically Unable to Perform list (PUP), the Packers say, which would keep the 26-year-old sidelined for at least the first four weeks of the regular season.

If Watson’s rehab continues to trend in a positive direction, the Packers’ wide receiver could be back on the field for Green Bay’s Week 5 clash against Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and the Cincinnati Bengals.

It is certainly encouraging that the Packers are leaving the door open for Watson to return for the majority of the upcoming campaign. What Watson’s role becomes in a receiving corps that added Matthew Golden and Savion Williams during the NFL Draft remains to be seen. But, at the very least, Watson appears to be ahead of schedule in his comeback bid.

Packers' Christian Watson Return Timeline Gets Some Clarity 2 Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (9) leaves the field in the fourth quarter after getting injured against the New Orleans Saints during their football game Monday, December 23, 2024, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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