Sammy Watkins' activation off PUP list is massive news for Packers

Packer fans got a little bit of a scare last week when veteran receiver Sammy Watkins, who signed a one-year deal earlier this offseason with Green Bay, was placed on the PUP list with an undisclosed injury. Those who have spent a lot of time around Watkins know that he hasn't had the healthiest career. In fact, he has played just one full season, and it came as a rookie in 2014. 

However, the former Clemson Tigers star was activated from the PUP list and participated in his first training camp practice for the Packers on Friday.

This news is bigger than people think. Yes, it is clear that Watkins still has injury concerns. However, the fact that he was able to return to practice just a few days later shows how resilient he is. 

The Packers will need that characteristic on offense, especially with All-Pro Davante Adams and speedster Marquez Valdes-Scantling now in the AFC West. If Watkins can keep his health from being a concern, he will have a very prominent role in head coach Matt LaFleur's offense in 2022. 

In his lone full season back in 2014, Watkins caught a career-high 65 passes on a career-high 128 targets, along with a career-high 48 first-down conversions. When healthy, the nine-year veteran is a very integral part of any offense.

Heading into 2022, Watkins won't be alone in helping quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the passing attack. Veterans Randall Cobb and Allen Lazard will help shoulder the burden of targets. Rookies Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, Samori Toure and hungry second-year receiver Amari rodgers will look to carve out important roles too. However, arguably the biggest X-factor on Green Bay's offense this season will be the health of Watkins. If he stays at 100%, the Packers will be firing on all cylinders starting in September.