The Green Bay Packers were dealt a huge blow in week 18 last season. Wide receiver Christian Watson tore his ACL on a non-contact play, which will cause him to miss a large chunk of this upcoming season. The three-year veteran has been a roller coaster ride, but the offense runs better with him on the field. Even if he isn’t getting the ball, his speed keeps defenses honest. In the draft, the Packers took two receivers in the first three rounds, leading many to wonder whether the team would look to move on from Watson. Head coach Matt LaFleur was asked about his recovery, and his answer didn’t feel like one from a person ready to move on.
Green Bay Packers Christian Watson Recovery
There is no timeline for his return, but everything that is being said about him is positive. LaFleur was asked about the recovery of Christian Watson and had nothing but positive things to say.
“He looks like a freak, like he always does, in a positive way. He’s been great. He’s been outstanding. Just a great attitude. He’s working hard. That’s really all you can ask of anybody.”
Because of when he tore his ACL, the Green Bay Packers are likely heading into next year planning to be without him. While there have been some rare cases of players coming back sooner than expected, the team will not want to rush him back. When he does return, it will be interesting to see what his role is. The wide receiver room has all of a sudden become very crowded.
Crowded Depth Chart
The Green Bay Packers have a bunch of talented young wide receivers. Rookies Matthew Golden and Savion Williams join Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, Bo Melton, Christian Watson, and Malik Heath in the wide receiver room. The team also signed Mecole Hardman to a one-year deal this offseason. Not everyone is making it. Melton and Heath are the likely cut candidates, but that still leaves a very crowded room.
The rookies will have to prove they belong, and some of the young veterans, like Wicks, will have to show improvement, or they could get cut down the road as well. The team is making sure they have plenty of options to complement their franchise quarterback, Jordan Love.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, Christian Watson is doing all the right things. He can’t control what the team decides to do with the roster. All he can do is work to get back on the field as soon as possible. The next few years will be very interesting in Green Bay. Who will be there long term, and who may be on the outside looking in?
