Christian Watson's inspirational post all but confirms plans

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson. Dan Powers / USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Christian Watson's inspirational post all but confirms Packers' plans for him on Sunday

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By John Sbisa | Last updated Oct 25, 2025 4:30 PM ET

For a second straight week, Christian Watson and the Green Bay Packers approached game day with his status up in the air. He retained a questionable tag on Friday’s injury report (knee) but was a limited participant in practice all week.

For his part, Watson has already said he plans to play, but he also said that’s been his stance in prior weeks too.

Matt LaFleur would not commit one way or the other when asked about his receiver’s status. However, on Saturday, the Packers activated Watson from the PUP list. He is now on track to make his long-awaited season debut.

Based on a highlight reel that Watson posted on Instagram, the wideout is announcing his return.

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A post shared by Christian Watson (@christiann.w1)

For all intents and purposes, he’s back

Since tearing his ACL in Week 18 last season, it has been a long road back for Watson. A return before the midway point in 2025 would have seemed a highly optimistic outcome, but he progressed steadily and relentlessly in his recovery before coming off the PUP list and returning to practice after the bye.

Fitting, then, that Watson’s video began with footage of his injury against the Bears, the last time Watson was on the field in a real game, before giving way to a montage of diving catches and touchdowns.

If that isn’t as good as an official team announcement, nothing is.

And if that video wasn’t enough, the Packers also released tight end Ben Sims to clear a roster spot for Watson’s pending activation off injured reserve.

His teammates flocked to the comment section to congratulate him one way or another, with Watson himself dropping a prayer emoji of gratitude. Jordan Love chimed in with a “Yesssir,” joined by Jayden Reed, Elgton Jenkins and Keisean Nixon, among others. Even Sean Clifford, released by Green Bay and now with the Bengals, echoed Love’s affirmation.

With Dontayvion Wicks ruled out after injuring his calf last week, getting Watson back, even at less than full strength, will help restore some depth to the Packers’ receiver room and provide insurance downfield if Matthew Golden, who is questionable with a hip injury, can’t go.

Christian Watson's inspirational post all but confirms Packers' plans for him on Sunday 2 Dec 15, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (9) catches a pass against Seattle Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen (27) during the second quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

More importantly, returning this early should allow Watson to get his legs underneath him by the playoffs. By then, the Packers could have Reed back as well, giving Love his full complement of weapons at every level of the field.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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