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Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson was in uniform and participated during a stretch period on Wednesday, and coach Matt LaFleur said after the OTA session that he believes the fourth-year pass-catcher is ahead of schedule in his recovery and rehab after ACL surgery in January.
“Christian is doing outstanding. I would say he’s ahead of schedule,” LaFleur said.
Watson went through stretch but did nothing else as the Packers progressed through Stage III of the offseason workout program on Wednesday, a session open to the media.
Watson suffered the knee injury in the Packers’ season finale against the Chicago Bears in early January. He needed surgery, and recovery from the injury and operation can range between 8-12 months depending on the athlete. It remains likely that Watson will still miss games to start the 2025 regular season, but any advancement of the recovery schedule could give the speedster a chance to be a legitimate contributor for at least half the season or more.
Watson, a 2022 second-round pick, is entering a contract year. He caught 29 passes for 620 yards and two touchdowns last season. His 21.4-yard average would have ranked second among all NFL players had he qualified in 2024.
Blessed with a rare combo of size and speed, Watson is a true vertical weapon who has gravitational power in terms of dictating and influencing coverage as a receiver.
Watson will likely start the 2025 season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, meaning he’ll have to miss at least four games before he’s eligible to return.
Other tidbits
LaFleur believes Edgerrin Cooper is much “more confident” and now weighs 240 pounds — up from around 220 as a rookie. “He still looks like he’s moving as good as he did a year ago. I’m really excited about him.” … LaFleur confirmed the Packers will have joint practices with the Colts and Seahawks. Both are expected to be on the Thursday before Saturday preseason games in August.
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