Packers' Matt LaFleur Provides Promising Christian Watson Injury Update

A healthy Christian Watson is arguably the most dangerous weapon the Green Bay Packers have on their offense. It is not only his size and dynamism with the football in his hands but also how his speed can stretch the field vertically and open up underneath concepts for his teammates. 

Watson suffered a torn ACL against the Chicago Bears in the final week of the 2024 regular season. According to his father, he is expected to return in the second half of 2025. Until then, Matt LaFleur will need to find ways to replicate what Watson’s speed brings to the offense—whether he is getting the ball or simply pulling coverage and creating space for others.

Speaking to reporters during the first week of OTAs, LaFleur shared a promising update on Christian Watson’s recovery.

“Christian is doing outstanding,” LaFleur said. “I would say he’s ahead of schedule, but again, I’m not a doctor. I’m not medical staff, so we’ll see where he’s at.” 

Watson has had trouble staying healthy throughout his NFL career. He started a career-high 15 games in 2024 but managed only nine starts in 2023 and 11 in his rookie season. In total, he has missed 13 games over three years. Still, when Watson is on the field, Green Bay’s offense runs more smoothly and feels far more dangerous.

The 2025 season is a big one for Watson. He is entering the last year of his rookie deal and is slated to be an unrestricted free agent in 2026. If you’ve paid attention to how LaFleur has talked about him in past interviews, you can tell the Packers value Watson very much—not just for what he does on the field, but who he is off it. That said, with his injury history, it’s tough to imagine the Packers handing him a extension without seeing him stay healthy for a complete season first.

It is encouraging to hear that Christian Watson is making progress in his recovery. Still, the Packers have a history of being cautious with players coming back from injury. Given how valuable Watson is to the offense and the scheme, combined with the seriousness of his injury, Green Bay will likely only put him on the field once they’re confident he’s cleared every step of the rehab process without setbacks.