Matt LaFleur: Christian Watson is progressing, but his rehab will take some time
Packers receiver Christian Watson was at the team's mandatory minicamp, going through his rehab work while his teammates practiced.
Coach Matt LaFleur was asked whether seeing Watson move like he is moving could mean an earlier return for Watson.
'Probably not, to be honest,' LaFleur said, via Wendell Ferreira of AtoZ Sports. 'The guys that are available, that's who you coach, and that's kind of where you focus. It is exciting to see how far along he is. He's been doing a great job. He attacks it the right way. Our trainers have done an outstanding job with him. I think he's in the best spot possible considering the circumstance.'
Watson tore an ACL in Week 18 of the 2024 season, forcing him to miss not only the playoffs but also part of the 2025 season. Watson's father, Tazim Wajid Wajed, said during the offseason that Watson is expected back around Week 12.
'He will give us a boost whenever that is,' LaFleur said. 'Whenever he comes back, I expect him to give us a boost.'
Watson, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract, made 29 catches for 620 yards and two touchdowns last season.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
5 standout Patriots players from third open OTAs practice
The New England Patriots kick-started their last week of OTAs with their final open practice for the media on Monday. Four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Stefon Diggs made his first appearance at an open practice for the Patriots, but he was a limited participant due to his continued rehab from the ACL injury he suffered last season. Advertisement With Kendrick Bourne out and Ja'Lynn Polk limited, that opened the door for other receivers to step into more prominent roles on offense. Speaking of the offense, this was the best practice by the unit through all three of the open OTA sessions. It was a good way to wrap up for an offense that ranked among the worst in the league last season. They have dealt with numerous changes in the offseason, and things appear to be trending in the right direction. Here are five standout players from the Patriots' third OTAs practice: WR Efton Chism III May 9, 2025; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Efton Chism III (86) practices during rookie camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images Undrafted rookie Efton Chism III is quickly becoming one of the most surprising storylines of the Patriots' offseason. The run of strong performances continued on Monday for the former Eastern Washington standout, who hauled in a perfect 7-of-7 passes thrown in his direction. Advertisement He was getting the top reps with Drake Maye on the field, along with Demario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte and Kyle Williams. QB Drake Maye Dec 28, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) looks to pass the ball against the Los Angeles Chargers in the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images This was a major bounce-back practice for Drake Maye and the Patriots' offense. The second-year quarterback looked sharp in competitive 11-on-11s, going 14-of-16 passing during the practice. It was a good sign to see the offense finally settle into things and get some wins against the defense. Maye's confidence continues to grow every time he steps onto the field, and that should only continue as he becomes more comfortable with Josh McDaniels' offense. S Josh Minkins Cincinnati Bearcats defensive back Josh Minkins (0) tackles Towson Tigers wide receiver Lukkas Londono (14) in the first quarter of the College Football game at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. Undrafted rookie safety Josh Minkins gets a mention here for his interception on fellow rookie Ben Wooldridge. It was the only interception of the competitive period. Minkins will need more plays like that in training camp, given the ridiculous competition at safety this year. Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers sit at the top of the depth chart with Marte Mapu, Jaylinn Hawkins, Dell Pettus and rookie Craig Woodson currently serving as the reserve options. RB Rhamondre Stevenson Nov 17, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (38) makes a catch before a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images Don't forget about Rhamondre Stevenson. Advertisement It's crazy that it even needs to be said about the guy at the top of the running back depth chart. Stevenson probably had the best play of the practice after hauling in a dime of a throw from Drake Maye on a deep wheel route down the sideline. Even with the arrival of explosive rookie TreVeyon Henderson, Stevenson will still have a major role on the Patriots' offense. WR Demario Douglas Nov 17, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver DeMario Douglas (3) before the start of a game against the Los Angeles Rams at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images Demario Douglas was the Patriots' leading wide receiver for the 2024 season. Even with the new receiver additions, Douglas continues to prove how valuable he is to the offense. He snagged all four of the balls thrown in his direction at Monday's practice. Advertisement It will be fun to see what Douglas is capable of in an offense where he isn't perceived as the top receiving threat. The arrival of Stefon Diggs and Kyle Williams could open up even more opportunities for him to make plays in the slot. Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook. This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: 5 standout Patriots players from third open OTAs practice
Newsweek
3 hours ago
- Newsweek
Packers Share Cryptic Injury Update for Dynamic Playmaker
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Green Bay Packers are heading into the 2025 NFL season with Super Bowl aspirations. After being a borderline contender in each of the last two years, the team is tired of coming up short. They want to bring a championship back to Lambeau Field. With that in mind, they are going to need the entire team firing on all cylinders. Offensively, there is one name to keep a close eye on as he works his way back from injury. Christian Watson has been an elite deep threat for Jordan Love. He has not been able to develop into being an all-around wideout, but his skills down the field have been valuable. Unfortunately, in the final game of the regular season last year against the Chicago Bears, he went down with a torn ACL. Head coach Matt LaFleur of the Green Bay Packers looks on in the second quarter of a game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on November 17, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. Head coach Matt LaFleur of the Green Bay Packers looks on in the second quarter of a game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on November 17, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. Photo byThroughout the offseason, Watson has been working hard to get back on the field. He has made a lot of progress, but there is no telling when he might return to the field. Read more: Packers Receive Huge Injury Update on Sleeper Playmaker On Thursday, head coach Matt LaFleur spoke out about the dynamic Packers' playmaker. He offered a cryptic update about him that shared both positive and negative notes. When asked if Watson could return sooner than expected, LaFleur honestly turned that notion away. "Probably not, to be honest," LaFleur said. "The guys that are available, that's who you coach and that's kind of where you focus. It is exciting to see how far along he is, he's been doing a great job, he attacks it the right way. Our trainers have done an outstanding job with him. I think he's in the best spot possible considering the circumstance." It's not a bad update necessarily. Watson is in a good spot when it comes to his recovery, but that does not mean that he'll be ready to play early on in the year. Read more: Packers' Jordan Love Has Strong Reaction to Jaire Alexander Decision Right now, there is a lot of competition at the wide receiver position in Green Bay. Outside of Watson, the Packers have Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, Matthew Golden, Dontayvion Wicks, and Savion Williams. Bo Melton is also on the roster, although the team is experimenting with him at cornerback as well. During his career to this point, Watson has played in 38 games. He has caught 98 passes for 1,653 yards and 14 touchdowns, averaging 16.9 yards per reception. Getting him back on the field will be crucial to open up the deep ball even more for Love. For more Green Bay Packers and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
USA Today
4 hours ago
- USA Today
Report: NCAA penalizes Wisconsin football for recruiting violations
Report: NCAA penalizes Wisconsin football for recruiting violations The NCAA is penalizing Wisconsin football for recruiting infractions that occurred during the spring of 2023. BadgerExtra's Colten Bartholomew was the first to report the news. Bartholomew writes that "nine members of Luke Fickell's staff violated a since-changed NCAA rule by making phone calls to recruits before the recruiting calendar allowed them to be made." Notably, that rule changed in August 2023, just months after the reported violations. Among those specifically penalized are Fickell, outside linebackers coach Matt Mitchell, former defensive line coach Greg Scruggs and former recruiting lead Max Stienecker. The infraction is a Level II violation. Both Scruggs and Stienecker received one-year show-cause orders, while Fickell and Mitchell will not be permitted to contact high school recruits from June 15-21. For more specifics on the violations and their fallout, here is Bartholomew's full report. Notably, neither of the two staffers who received show causes still works for Wisconsin. Scruggs left the program after the 2023 campaign for the same title at Big Ten rival Michigan, though he resigned just months into the job after an OWI arrest. He is now an assistant defensive line coach with the San Francisco 49ers. Stienecker, meanwhile, left Wisconsin in February to become USC's general manager. He and his recruiting staff currently have the Trojans atop the class of 2026 national rankings with 28 total commits, 18 blue-chip players and one five-star. Wisconsin finished the 2024 recruiting cycle, the one that included the reported infractions, with arguably the best class in program history. Among the program's 22 signees, 11 were blue-chip players. Four-star recruits offensive tackle Kevin Heywood, defensive lineman Ernest Willor Jr., running back Dilin Jones and defensive lineman Dillan Johnson headline a group that finished ranked No. 25 nationally and No. 7 in the Big Ten Conference. The 2025 season should see a significant portion of that class enter the team's two-deep depth chart. Running backs Dilin Jones and Darrion Dupree, offensive lineman Emerson Mandell, wide receiver Kyan Berry-Johnson, defensive lineman Dillan Johnson and linebacker Thomas Heiberger should all see the field. Heywood was also in line to start for the team at left tackle, though he is projected to miss the season after an ACL injury. Furthermore, cornerback Xavier Lucas already excelled as a true freshman in 2024, though he transferred to Miami in the offseason. The Badgers' class of 2026, which has yet to see a blue-chip player added, currently ranks No. 40 nationally. Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion
