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USA Today
5 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Chrisitan Watson 'looks great' but Packers preaching patience in return from ACL
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson "looks great" at this point in his recovery from January's surgery to repair an ACL tear, but the team is preaching patience in terms of getting the speedy pass-catcher back on the playing field. Watson injured his knee in the 2024 regular season finale and is beginning training camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. While the Packers are encouraged with where he's at, the team won't rush his return. "He's a freak, he did a run test the other day and looks great," general manager Brian Gutekunst said Wednesday. 'Again, it's an ACL, and it's his second one, so we're going to take our time with it." Watson was in uniform and even rode a bike to practice on Wednesday, the first day of training camp. But his return isn't close. In fact, Gutekunst said Watson will not practice in full at any point during training camp, which all but confirms he will begin the regular season on the PUP list and miss at least four games. It's possible he'll miss even more regular season games if the Packers stay conversative in his recovery timeline. Returning from ACL surgery typically requires a 9-12 month recovery timeline. Given this is Watson's second ACL injury, the Packers may want to push his return more towards the backend of the typical timeline to ensure he has full strength and mobility. Watson, who has an elite combination of speed and size, caught 29 passes for 620 yards and two touchdowns across 15 games last season. He averaged 21.4 yards per catch and 11.4 yards per target, both career highs.
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
1 obvious Packers trade candidate entering 2025 training camp
The post 1 obvious Packers trade candidate entering 2025 training camp appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Green Bay Packers made it clear with the release of Jaire Alexander that they want available players on Sundays. In his first three NFL seasons, Christian Watson has seen his share of injuries. And that's why he is one obvious Packers trade candidate entering the 2025 training camp. Advertisement Looking at the Packers' wide receiver room, it's well-stocked with depth. They have Jayden Reed, Matthew Golden, and Romeo Doubs currently listed as starters in three-wide sets. On the second team, they have Dontayvion Wicks, Savion Williams, and Watson. But even beyond that, the Packers have Mecole Harman, Bo Melton, and Malik Heath as third-team candidates. So it's to see the Packers could afford to deal from the wide receiver position. Packers could deal WR Christian Watson It should have become painfully obvious to Watson what the Packers were thinking when they selected a wide receiver (Golden) in the first round of the draft. But the writing on the wall got thicker when they grabbed Williams in the third round. Advertisement Another thing not helping Watson is his vast potential. Each year, it seems he has been the guy who would break out. His seven-touchdown rookie season set the bar high. But in each of the past two years, Watson has been held below 30 receptions. He did score five touchdowns in 2023, but managed only two last year. Watson is coming off an ACL injury, which would make it more difficult for the Packers to trade him. But his workout videos could pique the interest of other teams. Watson looked like he was moving full speed in a video post on X by Zach Jacobson. Also, head coach Matt LaFleur said he believes Watson is moving along well, according to Advertisement 'Christian is doing outstanding,' LaFleur said. 'I would say he's ahead of schedule. 'But again, I'm not a doctor. I'm not (on the) medical staff. So we'll see where he's at.' WR Christian Watson looking for payday Watson is in a precarious spot because this is the final year of his rookie contract. He needs to put a healthy year on the board if he wants to get big bucks in the offseason. Watson said he's working hard. 'I've got a couple more months ahead of me,' Watson said. 'But I'm attacking it every day. I'm in a really good spot. I was raised to be a fighter and to chase after the things that I want. I've gotten a lot in my life so far, but there's still a lot of things that I want, so I'm going to keep on fighting for it.' Advertisement There's no doubt the Packers value Watson. Earlier in the offseason, LaFleur talked about what he means to the team. 'It doesn't help when you lose a guy like Christian Watson,' LaFleur said. 'And who knows when we'll get him back. His physicality, his speed, he's an intelligent player. You could move him from position to position within a game, and not everybody can handle that. That is a big loss for us, but those other guys are going to have to pick up the slack.' Packers trying to find right speed combination The Packers have tried to replace Watson's speed by bringing in Hardman. 'We brought in Mecole, and he's got a lot of speed,' General Manager Brian Gutekunst said. 'Certainly, Jayden fits that bill as well. Luke Musgrave is a guy if we can consistently keep out on the field, provides a speed element that can stretch the defense, so I think we have that ability even without Christian. Advertisement 'Christian's a pretty dynamic guy, there's not many guys like him in our league. So when he's out there it certainly changes things. Getting him healthy down the stretch will be a really important part of that, but I do think we can handle that as we are.' The biggest thing is that the Packers have the depth to trade Watson. And the team has needs on the defensive side of the ball. Cutting bait with Alexander means the cornerback room won't be as strong. So the Packers might explore a deal where they get a starting-level cornerback in exchange for Watson. This is a Super Bowl hopeful season for the Packers. They have many of the pieces in place to make a run for it. So the right kind of deal in the summer might be enough to push them over the top. Related: Packers rumors: Matthew Golden OTA work prompts Doubs, Watson trade talk Advertisement Related: 1 perfect Packers move to fill out roster before 2025 training camp
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Packers' Matthew Golden bringing ‘versatility' to Super Bowl-chasing Green Bay
The post Packers' Matthew Golden bringing 'versatility' to Super Bowl-chasing Green Bay appeared first on ClutchPoints. Wide receiver Matthew Golden is already making waves with the Green Bay Packers, even before he's taken a snap. He's already broken the franchise's 23-year streak of not picking a first-round wide receiver, and now he's got his sights set even higher. Advertisement Golden is eager to pitch in however he can to help the Packers snag another Lombardi Trophy, as he explained to KPRC 2's Aaron Wilson. 'Want to go get that trophy, man,' Golden said. 'That's all we talk about at practice… we're doing everything we can every day to get there.' With a healthy dose of confidence to back up his words, the Packers might find themselves leaning on Golden sooner than expected. Christian Watson, a seasoned wide receiver, is still healing from a torn ACL sustained in Week 18, and the current starting receiver trio—Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, and Dontayvion Wicks—has had their ups and downs with consistency and dropped passes in 2024. With no standout WR1 on the team, Golden's ability to adapt could prove invaluable. Advertisement 'My versatility, what I can do—I can play anywhere on the field,' Golden said. 'Just doing what the team needs me to do. That's what I did at Texas, and that's what I will continue to do.' Golden had a standout final season with the Texas Longhorns, racking up 987 receiving yards and nine touchdowns on 58 catches, helping the team make it to the College Football Playoff. While he'll need to refine his running route as he steps up to the next level, his knack for big plays could inject much-needed energy into a Green Bay offense looking to support quarterback Jordan Love. That connection, Golden noted, begins with trust. 'Over time, you've got to build and earn that trust,' Golden said about working with Love. 'For me, it's about going out there every day, giving my best, and letting him know I'll be right where I'm supposed to be.' Advertisement The Packers last made the Super Bowl after the 2010 season. With Golden coming to the team, there's renewed hope that this new wave of talent might be what they need to get things moving in the right direction. Related: What makes Josh Jacobs a 'true difference-maker' for Packers Related: Mike Florio puts Packers QB Jordan Love on notice
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
2 sneaky Packers trade candidates entering 2025 training camp
The post 2 sneaky Packers trade candidates entering 2025 training camp appeared first on ClutchPoints. Things look settled for the Green Bay Packers at the running back position. Probably at quarterback, too, except perhaps from the viewpoint of one NFL insider. As for the overall team, here are two sneaky Packers trade candidates entering the team's 2025 training camp. Advertisement It should come as no surprise that the Packers have the ability to deal from the wide receiver position. They have legitimate NFL dudes in Jayden Reed, Matthew Golden, Romeo Doubs, and Christian Watson. Also, they have guys who could step into more of a key role this year. Included in that mix are Dontayvion Wicks, Savion Williams, Mecole Hardman, and Bo Melton. That gives the Packers a lot of leeway when it comes time to talk trade. Packers could deal WR Dontayvion Wicks © Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images The Packers have tried to talk up Wicks ever since they drafted him in the fourth round back in 2023. And he has shown good moments on the field. Included in his mix has been a nose for the end zone with nine touchdowns over two NFL seasons. Advertisement And heading into this season, the Packers said they've seen growth, according to Passing game coordinator Jason Vrable said Wicks may have missed out on some of the little things last season. 'I think early in the year, he wanted the results so bad,' Vrable said. 'He wanted to catch the ball and score. He was getting open, and then he would have a bad drop, and everybody would be so upset over him. And he'd be down on himself. I think he really learned to just handle one play at a time. It just happens to some guys. They want to score four touchdowns. They want to have 120 yards. And sometimes like early on in your career you could be open, and Jordan (Love) doesn't look there. Or when he does, you have a drop, and then it weighs on you.' Vrable said maturity is the biggest area of improvement for Wicks this offseason. He said it's a carryover from the end of 2024. 'You saw at the end of the year when the ball was coming his way,' Vrable said. 'There was a real confidence toward the end to get open and make the play. And just do one play at a time. If you watched our practices, the speed that he's playing at, Coach Getsy just came back here and was like, 'Man, this guy is so fast. And he's practicing so hard.' And you can see it. He's in Year 3, and he knows the system, he's playing with confidence, and the energy's been awesome right now.' Advertisement A player who could give the Packers an opportunity to trade Wicks is newcomer Mecole Hardman. Vrable said Hardman has fit right into the Packers because of his willingness to adapt. 'He's been very coachable,' Vrable said. 'He's not like a vet who is stuck in his ways. (And) he's been an open book. He's won what, three out of five Super Bowls. So you talk about experience, I mean, no one else in this building has ever been to five. So he's been through a lot, but he wants to be coached. He wants to get his career back to what he was before he had the surgery and the injury, and he's been busting his butt.' The emergence of Williams, of lack thereof, will also play a key role in whether the Packers make a deal. If Williams proves he's ready to roll at the NFL level in year one, it gives the Packers more options. Williams will certainly fight to get into the mix, according to his former coach at TCU, Malcolm Kelly, who also played in the NFL. Kelly said there's determination in Williams' game, according to Sports Illustrated. Advertisement 'When this kid puts his mind to something, he's like a dog chasing a ball, man,' Kelly said. 'He's just going to be super-persistent, professional, do things the right way, and I think those things will serve him well in his NFL journey. 'This dude is the ultimate team guy. He just wants to win, and he knows deep down that he can do things that a lot of guys can't do.' Packers could trade WR Mecole Hardman Yep. If Hardman can't edge into a spot and cause the Packers to consider dealing a guy like Wicks, it could he Hardman on the way out. The speedy receiver offers value not just at the wideout position. He can also return kicks. Of course, that makes him more valuable to the Packers, too. But it's always a numbers game in the NFL. Advertisement Hardman was able to open some eyes earlier this year in the Packers' minicamp. And LaFluer said he likes Hardman's pedigree from a winning organization, according to 'It's nice to have a guy that's played, and played in some big-time moments,' LaFleur said. As for Hardman, he said he believes in himself. 'I can do a lot,' Hardman said. 'Bring speed to the offense, whether it's the gadget plays or the deep balls down the field, the screen game, YAC. I've shown that over the years that once you get the ball in my hands, I can make things happen.' Related: Packers' Matthew Golden bringing 'versatility' to Super Bowl-chasing Green Bay Related: What makes Josh Jacobs a 'true difference-maker' for Packers
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Packers Predicted To Trade 1,700-Yard Playmaker During 2025 Season
Packers Predicted To Trade 1,700-Yard Playmaker During 2025 Season originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Green Bay Packers receiving corps had a promising season in 2023, but they failed to carry that momentum into 2024. Last year, the group ranked third in the NFL in dropped passes and consistently struggled to create separation against man coverage—especially when Christian Watson was out. Advertisement Still, Green Bay's receiving corps is a young group, and while last year's regression was far from what the team had planned, they should have every opportunity to bounce back. For a player like Romeo Doubs, having a strong season will be crucial as he enters the final year of his rookie deal. The same applies to Christian Watson, though he should return in the second half of the season as he recovers from the torn ACL he suffered in the 2024 regular season finale against the Chicago Bears. Doubs is one of Jordan Love's most trusted targets and should be a fundamental piece of the offense to start the season. However, Heavy's Jordan Wilson believes Doubs might not finish the year in Green Bay, predicting the team will move the young receiver at the trade deadline. Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs (87) makes a catch against Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Darius Slay Jr. (2).© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images 'As mentioned, the Packers are loaded at wide receiver in 2025. Not only do they return top contributors Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, Christian Watson and Dontayvion Wicks from last year's roster, but they also add Mecole Hardman Jr., Golden and Williams into the mix, providing Love with his most competitive group of receivers to date,' Wilson wrote. Advertisement "At the same time, the Packers won't be able to get everyone consistent reps within the offense. The problem will not impact them as much early on, with Watson likely to start the year on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, but things will become crowded once Watson returns to the roster — and that could prompt the Packers to move Doubs," he added. Wilson also noted that Green Bay could be motivated to move Doubs if the rest of the receiving corps steps up and proves they can carry the load. "Doubs has been a quality receiver for the Packers over the past three seasons, catching 147 passes for 1,700 yards and 15 touchdowns in 43 career games, but he is in the final year of his rookie contract and unlikely to re-sign with the Packers, given their depth," Wilson wrote. "The Packers won't want to part with him if he is a leading part of their offense to start the season. But if Golden, Reed and others make him more redundant, they should take their chance to get what they can for him and trade him to a receiver-needy team before the NFL trade deadline on November 5." The most likely scenario is Doubs playing out the final year of his rookie deal in Green Bay. The Packers have a sense of urgency to compete for a title in 2025, and moving on from one of their most consistent offensive contributors does not make sense. However, as Wilson pointed out, if Reed, Golden, Wicks, and Williams step up, it would at least be worth considering trade offers for Doubs—if any teams come calling. Related: Packers Trade Proposal Sends 265-Pound Tight End To Green Bay This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
