If you’ve caught any interviews with Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, you have probably noticed how openly he talks about Christian Watson and how much the team values him—not just as a player, but as a person too. It does not matter how many targets Watson gets—his willingness to put on a blocking clinic for the run game is just one testament to how unselfish number 9 is and shows his strong character.
Watson tore his ACL in the 2024 regular-season finale against the Chicago Bears and should miss the start of the 2025 season. Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said he is ahead of schedule in his recovery, which is encouraging. While Watson’s dad believes he will likely return in the second half of the 2025 season, there could be a chance he will come back sooner than expected.
The possibility of an early return got an extra spark this week when Watson posted another encouraging update in his recovery.
On Friday, he shared an Instagram video of himself sprinting and running routes—his most active showing yet since the injury.
Christian Watson looking WAY ahead of schedule
— Packerfan Total Access- Clayton (@packers_access) June 20, 2025
Someone check on the "he's not even running routes yet" crowd.....they are not well today pic.twitter.com/k2AHndipJe
Green Bay has historically taken a conservative approach when easing players back from injury, and that is unlikely to change with Watson. Given the seriousness of his ACL tear and how valuable he is to the offense, there is no chance the Packers will rush him back unless they’re 100% confident he can protect himself and play without restriction.
It would be in Green Bay’s best interest to have Watson back at full speed just in time for a potential playoff run. Not only does he bring a unique element of speed to the offense, but he was also their best man-coverage beater last year. He is arguably Green Bay’s most dangerous offensive weapon, with the ability to elevate both the passing attack and the run game whenever he’s on the field.
On the other hand, Watson and his camp will likely take a cautious and smart approach to his return. He’s entering the final year of his rookie contract, and any misstep could impact his health and hurt his chances of securing a long-term extension with the Packers. Still, both sides should work together to find the best possible scenario—one that protects Watson’s future while maximizing his value to the team.
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