Packers place nine players on PUP list including rookie Christian Watson

The Green Bay Packers made news Friday by adding a number of their respective players to the Physically Unable to Perform list. The team added nine players to the list, including second-round receiver Christian Watson, starting tight end Robert Tonyan, Pro Bowl guard Elgton Jenkins, longtime kicker Mason Crosby, and veteran defensive tackle Dean Lowry. The Packers are a historically careful team when it comes to dealing with injuries. Last season, the team held out All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari for almost the entire season while he recovered from his ACL tear that he suffered during the 2020 season.

However, there are a couple of pieces of good news for Green Bay. First, Bakhtiari was not placed on the PUP List. That means his knee is getting healthier. He appears to be very close to being ready for training camp, which starts on July 27. Secondly, being placed on the PUP list, according to NFL rules, doesn't mean that players will necessarily miss any regular season time. For example, despite being placed on the list, Tonyan is reportedly "on-track" to play in Green Bay's Week 1 matchup on the road against the arch-rival Minnesota Vikings.

Green Bay fans shouldn't have to worry unless they have to. The PUP list is not the end of the world unless it comes at the wrong time. Rest and recovery in the NFL is a good thing, especially before the season starts. The only player who is expected to miss extended time is Jenkins, who tore his ACL in November. The Packers roster is in great shape and ready to roll for the 2022 season.