CHRISTIAN WATSON NEWS

Golden says his status as a rare first-round WR pick for Packers doesn't create extra pressure

Matthew Golden says he doesn’t feel any extra pressure associated with his status as the first wide receiver drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the opening round in over two decad...

SEPTEMBER 2 • Associated Press

On reserve/PUP list to begin season The Packers moved Watson (knee) to the reserve/PUP list Tuesday, Wes Hodkiewicz of the team's official site reports.

Impact Since tearing the ACL in his right knee Week 18 of last season, Watson has progressed quickly through his rehab, but the ever-cautious Packers will take a prudent approach and not press him into action for at least the first month of the upcoming campaign. Green Bay will emerge from the first round of roster cuts with a receiving corps composed of Jayden Reed (foot), rookie first-round pick Matthew Golden, Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks (calf), Savion Williams (hamstring) and Malik Heath, though three of the six are dealing with health concerns of their own. Meanwhile, Watson's first chance to return to action will be Sunday, Oct. 12 against the Bengals.

AUGUST 26 • ROTOWIRE

On reserve/PUP list to begin season The Packers moved Watson (knee) to the reserve/PUP list Tuesday, Wes Hodkiewicz of the team's official site reports.

Impact Since tearing the ACL in his right knee in Week 18 of last season, Watson has progressed quickly through his rehab, but the Packers will take a cautious approach with his return. Green Bay's receiving corps to begin the season will feature Jayden Reed (foot), rookie first-round pick Matthew Golden, Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks (calf) in prominent roles, with Savion Williams (hamstring) and Malik Heath as depth. Watson's first chance to return to action will come in Week 5 against the Bengals.

AUGUST 26 • ROTOWIRE

Packers GM hints at Christian Watson return way sooner than expected The Green Bay Packers' general manager provided an encouraging update on Christian Watson's return from injury.

AUGUST 13 • LOMBARDIAVE.COM

Could return around Week 5? Packers coach Matt LaFleur said Tuesday that Watson (knee) likely will begin the regular season on the PUP list but will be "chomping at the bit" to return thereafter, Matt Schneid...

Impact In other words, the Packers hope to have Watson back in October after he's spent the minimum of four games on the PUP list. That's about as soon as anyone could've hoped for, given that Watson suffered his ACL tear in Week 18 last season. It won't be surprising if he ends up missing time beyond the first four weeks, but it does seem his rehab is coming along fast enough that the Packers are optimistic about having Watson available for most of the season. Whether he's a full-time player at any point is another question, as the Packers also have Matthew Golden, Jayden Reed (foot), Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks (calf) as strong candidates for WR snaps.

AUGUST 12 • ROTOWIRE

#841 Packers Unscripted: Almost game time Mike and Wes give an update on training camp, including WR Christian Watson's recovery from injury, LB Quay Walker's start of 11-on-11 work,...

AUGUST 8 • PACKERS.COM

Packers Unscripted: Almost game time Mike and Wes give an update on training camp, including WR Christian Watson's recovery from injury, LB Quay Walker's start of 11-on-11 work,...

AUGUST 8 • PACKERS.COM

Looking good in recovery Watson, who is expected to begin the season on the reserve/PUP list, currently doesn't appear to be a player recovering from a torn ACL, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reports.

Impact Watson suffered an ACL tear in his right knee Week 18 of last season, but he appears to have made significant strides in his recovery considering how he's moving about. Despite the positive state of the situation, he opened training camp on the active/PUP list and seems destined to move to reserve/PUP once cut-down day arrives on Aug. 26. The Packers' medical staff is overly cautious with rehabs from serious injuries, so even if he could suit up during the first four weeks of the upcoming campaign, there's a good chance he'll continue to build up strength in his right leg, which previously was plagued by hamstring issues, with the aim to deploy him at some point in the first half of the season.

AUGUST 5 • ROTOWIRE

Packers Can't Use Youth as an Excuse as They Aim for Longer Postseason Run

The Packers are chasing their first Super Bowl berth since 2010. Is Green Bay now experienced enough to take the next step?

JULY 24 • FOX SPORTS

Progressing, but won't be rushed Packers GM Brian Gutekunst said Wednesday that Watson (knee) is "a freak" and "pressing to get out there" but still won't be rushed into practices this summer, Ryan Wood of USA Tod...

Impact Watson suffered his ACL tear in Week 18 last season, giving him almost exactly nine months between the date of the injury and Week 1 of 2025. He's starting training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list, with Gutekunst's comments Wednesday suggesting Watson might stay on PUP for a while. Week 1 may still be a big ask, but it at least sounds like Watson is on schedule (or ahead of it) in his rehab process, with a chance to contribute in the first half of the season. The Packers open training camp with Jayden Reed, Matthew Golden, Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks are their top wide receivers.

JULY 23 • ROTOWIRE

Lords of the Ringless: Ranking 10 QBs Poised for Super Bowl Breakthrough

From Lamar Jackson to Josh Allen to Joe Burrow, these 10 QBs are best positioned to go from Lords of the Ringless to Lord of the Ring.

JULY 23 • FOX SPORTS

Officially on active/PUP list The Packers placed Watson (knee) on the active/PUP list Friday, Zach Jacobson of 247Sports.com reports.

Impact This move is merely procedural as Watson continues his recovery from the torn ACL he suffered in his right knee Week 18 of last season. Considering he's only a bit more than six months removed from the injury, he seems hard-pressed to progress enough to be available Week 1 against the Lions on Sunday, Sept. 7, but coach Matt LaFleur told Ryan Wood of USA Today in early May that Watson "looks like a freak, like he always does. In a positive way." Watson's status will be monitored as the Packers embark on training camp and the preseason, but cut-down day on Aug. 26 will be of keen interst to see if the team moves him to the reserve/PUP list, which would require him to miss the first four games of the upcoming campaign.

JULY 18 • ROTOWIRE

Packers predicted to sign $1M WR who didn't play last season, GM Brian Gutekunst still a fan | Sporting News The Packers are set at WR, but adding one until Christian Watson gets back isn't the worst idea. Chase Claypool hasn't played in over a year...

JULY 8 • SPORTINGNEWS.COM

Packers $1.5 million signing, 3-time Super Bowl Champion already on the chopping block | Sporting News The Packers weren't expecting Christian Watson to have this quick off a turnaround coming off ACL injury. However, he is progressing faster...

JUNE 29 • SPORTINGNEWS.COM

Inbox: Training camp is that proving ground Christian Watson’s videos are as encouraging as they are awe-inspiring

JUNE 24 • PACKERS.COM

Packers WR Christian Watson impresses with major strides in ACL recovery | Sporting News Last season, Christian Watson tore his ACL. Now, just a few months later he is already starting to run routes, making lots of progress.

JUNE 21 • SPORTINGNEWS.COM

Steelers predicted to acquire oft-injured Christian Watson in trade with Packers | Sporting News The Pittsburgh Steelers need to add another wide receiver, but the suggestion of a CBS Sports analyst for the team to acquire Green Bay Pack...

JUNE 17 • SPORTINGNEWS.COM

Jordan Love has big goals as he heads into his third season as Packers' starting QB

Jordan Love doesn’t necessarily agree with the assertion that he and the Green Bay Packers took a step back last season

MAY 29 • Associated Press

Progressing in rehab Head coach Matt LaFleur said Friday that Watson (knee) has "been outstanding" in his recovery from a torn right ACL and is "working hard," Wes Hodkiewicz of the Packers' official s...

Impact LaFleur said Watson's work ethic approaching his ACL rehab has been impressive, per Ryan Wood of USA Today, but the timing of the young wideout's injury -- which occurred early January -- sheds serious doubt on his availability for the early portion of the regular season. Green Bay also invested significant draft capital at the wide receiver position in April's draft, selecting first-round pick Matthew Golden and third-rounder Savion Williams. With all of Jayden Reed (shoulder), Romeo Doubs (concussion), Dontayvion Wicks, Bo Melton, Mecole Hardman (knee) and Malik Heath still present, the Packers boast one of the league's most crowded wide receiver rooms, meaning Watson will face tough competition for snaps even if he achieves an exceptional recovery timeline.

MAY 2 • ROTOWIRE

Packers select wide receiver Matthew Golden with No. 23 pick in NFL draft

The Green Bay Packers did something in the first round of the NFL draft that they hadn’t done since 2002

APRIL 25 • Associated Press

Christian Watson's knee injury could cause Packers to try boosting receiving group in NFL draft

The likelihood that wide receiver Christian Watson will miss much of the upcoming season creates a dilemma for the Green Bay Packers as they make their draft plans

APRIL 15 • Associated Press

Wide receiver/kick returner Mecole Hardman joining Packers on one-year deal, AP source says

A person familiar with the situation says wide receiver/kick returner Mecole Hardman has agreed to a one-year contract with the Green Bay Packers

MARCH 19 • Associated Press

Top 5 landing spots for former Jets WR Davante Adams

After frustrating stops with the Raiders and Jets for Davante Adams, here are the best landing spots for the six-time Pro Bowl receiver.

MARCH 4 • FOX SPORTS

Writer suggests Packers draft Iowa State WR to fill in for the injured Christian Watson | Sporting News With wide receiver Christian Watson expected to be out for at least part of the 2025 season, one writer has suggested an intriguing WR targe...

MARCH 3 • SPORTINGNEWS.COM

Why Christian Watson's injury hurt Packers so badly in loss to Eagles The Packers badly missed wide receiver Christian Watson during Sunday’s playoff loss to the Eagles.

JANUARY 14 • USATODAY.COM