Wide receiver Christian Watson has been activated from the physically unable to perform list by the Green Bay Packers and could make his season debut Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers. To create space on the 53-man roster, the team released tight end Ben Sims and elevated defensive end Arron Mosby from the practice squad.
Watson’s potential return comes just 294 days after he tore the ACL in his right knee during last season’s regular-season finale. His recovery timeline is notably swift, outpacing recent Packers players who sustained the same injury, including defensive end Rashan Gary (308 days) and offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins (302 days).
The team had indicated throughout his rehabilitation that Watson was ahead of their typical return schedule. After returning to practice on October 6, the Packers utilized the full three-week window before activating him.
“I’d say I could’ve played last week, too, to be honest,” Watson said, but acknowledged the team’s cautious approach. “But, obviously, got to make sure I’m hearing everybody’s opinions on everything and being as smart as possible about it.”
In 38 games over his first three seasons, Watson has recorded 98 receptions for 1,653 yards and 14 touchdowns. His 16.9 yards-per-catch average ranked third in the NFL among all qualified players since he entered the league as a second-round pick in 2022.
Beyond his role as a deep threat, Watson is valued for his versatility. “What he brings [in] size [and] speed element, it just gives us so much flexibility as an offense,” said coach Matt LaFleur. “You can plug and play him in any position… and he just doesn’t blink at it. There’s very few guys that I know that can go in and play the X, the F or the Z.”
The Packers demonstrated their faith in Watson last month by signing him to a one-year, $11 million contract extension rather than letting him test free agency. The deal included a $6.067 million signing bonus and keeps him under contract through the 2026 season.
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