Help on the way for Packers wide receiving corps 2 January 20, 2024; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (9) before a 2024 NFC divisional round game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Packers make final call on Christian Watson vs. Bengals

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Matt Lombardo | Last updated Oct 10, 2025 3:00 PM ET

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson took a big step towards returning to action, practicing with the team for the first time since suffering a torn ACL in the 2024 regular season finale, but his return to game action will have to wait.

The Packers, Friday, officially ruled Watson out for Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals, at Lambeau Field.

Christian Watson closing in on Packers return

Even though Watson is still at least a week away, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur is encouraged by his receiver’s progress.

“Christian Watson won’t play this week, but he has looked pretty damn good,” LaFleur told reporters, via Wes Hodkiewicz of the team’s website. “I’m excited for when that day comes.”

Green Bay still has four weeks to decide whether to activate Watson to the 53-man roster, from the Physically Unable to Perform list, or revert him to the season-ending injured reserve.

In Watson’s continued absence, first-round rookie Matthew Golden, Romeo Doubs, and Donatyvion Wicks figure to be a major piece of the passing game puzzle against the Bengals, in addition to Tucker Kraft, who has emerged as one of quarterback Jordan Love’s favorite and most reliable targets.

Through three seasons, Watson has caught 98 passes for 1,653 yards and 14 touchdowns, but his next catch won’t be coming Sunday.