Packers confirm suspicion about Christian Watson right before emotional matchup with Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers

The Green Bay Packers' offense has just received the best update possible ahead of the Pittsburgh Steelers game on Sunday night. Fewer than 10 months after tearing his ACL, wide receiver Christian Watson has been activated from the physically unable to perform list, so now he's a part of the active 53-man roster and will be available to play.

The Packers had opened Watson's 21-day practice window on Oct. 6, and the team did not need the full three weeks before activating Watson. The move had been expected since the team waived tight end Ben Sims earlier on Saturday.

The wide receiver tore his ACL on Jan. 5, in Week 18 of last season against the Chicago Bears. After a long period of recovery, the offensive weapon is finally back. In total, though, he missed only six games — the playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles last season, and the first five games of this regular season.

In addition to activating Watson, the Packers also elevated edge defender Arron Mosby from the practice squad for gameday. This move is explained because Lukas Van Ness is out due to a foot injury.

NFL practice squad rules

The NFL increased the practice squad size during COVID and kept some of the adjusted rules. Of the 16 players, 10 must have up to two accrued seasons, while the other six have no restrictions. There’s also an extra spot for a player with an International Pathway Program exemption — but Green Bay hasn't used it since releasing Irish kicker Mark McNamee.

Throughout the season, teams can elevate practice squad players for gameday. Each player can be elevated three times for the same team without being a member of the active 53-man roster. After the game, the player reverts to the PS.

Practice squad elevations in 2025

Micah Robinson — 2
Brant Banks — 1
Lecitus Smith — 1
Arron Mosby — 2
Pierre Strong Jr. — 1

Packers’ practice squad

RB Pierre Strong Jr.
T Brant Banks
DB Johnathan Baldwin
C/G Lecitus Smith
T Dalton Cooper
DT James Ester
WR Jakobie Keeney-James
LB Jamon Dumas-Johnson
EDGE Arron Mosby
WR Isaiah Neyor
CB Micah Robinson
WR Will Sheppard
S Jaylin Simpson
QB Clayton Tune
LB Kristian Welch
TE Josh Whyle