Packers rookie WR Christian Watson set to return from injury soon

Watson participated in OTAs but hurt his knee toward the end of those sessions. He and the Packers decided as a group that it would be better to get it taken care of now. This avoided risking a bigger injury later.

Christian Watson’s Status Will Lead to Tough Decisions

The Green Bay Packers have never taken seven wide receivers on the 53-man roster under head coach Matt LaFleur. With all of the wide receivers they are high on this preseason, even taking seven wide receivers is going to mean they cut someone they really like.

With Watson healthy for the start of the season, five Packers wide receivers can be considered locks: Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb, Amari Rodgers, Watson and Romeo Doubs. Interestingly, Sammy Watkins was included in a huddle of players on Wednesday that consisted of those who will not play in the Packers’ first preseason game. Many have interpreted this to mean that Watkins, too, is a lock for the roster.

If Watkins is considered a lock for the 53-man roster, that means that the Packers already have their top six wide receivers for 2022. The question then becomes, “Will they take seven wide receivers?” If they do, who will it be? The two only real candidates for a seventh wide receiver spot are Samori Toure, a seventh-round pick, and Juwann Winfree, whom Aaron Rodgers has spoken highly of several times this offseason.

If it comes down to a choice between Toure and Winfree, it would make sense for the Packers to stick with their draft pick. Winfree has had an excellent camp but has struggled whenever he’s taken the field in the regular season. There is a good chance he would clear and be signed to the practice squad. Meanwhile, Toure may not clear and could be signed elsewhere.