Christian Watson's early return stuns insiders as Packers consider trading veteran WR Romeo Doubs
Christian Watson's early return stuns Packers (Image via Getty)
Injury setbacks have haunted Christian Watson since his NFL debut, but now the tide may be turning. The Green Bay Packers wide receiver, once viewed as a potential breakout star, is pushing toward an unexpected early return from an ACL tear.
With his recovery speeding up, Watson's presence could reshape the Packers' entire offensive dynamic in 2025. And it's already causing ripple effects in Green Bay's wide receiver room.
Watson eyes Week 1 return as Doubs faces trade risk in Packers WR shake-up
Peter Bukowski of Locked On Packers has sparked excitement around Watson's health timeline. 'I don't think it's crazy for him to be back early in the season. I don't think it's crazy that he starts the season on the 53. Like, not on PUP...
Because they think Week one, Week two, Week three, maybe he could be ready to go,' he said in a video update. If that happens, Watson will beat typical ACL recovery timelines.
Bukowski even likened Watson's path to that of former Packers lineman Bryan Bulaga, who returned within nine months. He labeled Watson's case 'just juicy, deliciously ironic' because of the WR's injury-prone history. Watson's early availability could mean more than just healthy depth—it could unlock Green Bay's offense in ways the current WR group cannot.
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'He would have huge impacts on this offense,' Bukowski emphasized.
Beyond recovery, Watson's value lies in his rare deep-threat capability. 'For whatever you think of Christian Watson, watch the tape and you will see a player that affects defenses... It is Watson's gravity that makes the play, even though he doesn't get the ball,' Bukowski said. He cast doubt on rookie Matthew Golden replicating that skill: 'We don't have any idea if Matthew Golden can actually generate that sort of gravity.
'
As Watson targets early return, trade rumors swirl around trusted target Romeo Doubs
With Watson trending toward a midseason return and young WRs crowding the depth chart, a shake-up seems imminent. Reports now suggest that Matt LaFleur is open to trading a familiar name: Romeo Doubs. 'I've always said that I think Doubs is the guy that makes the most sense,' Bukowski noted, citing Doubs' trade appeal.
Also read:
NFL's top 100 shocker: Ravens dominate list with budget superstars
Bukowski added, 'He would be desirable to other teams, and the Packers would be more willing to give him up in a trade.' Past off-field issues and comparative market value might make Doubs the odd man out. For Watson, though, a surprise comeback could be more than a feel-good story—it could be his career-saving, contract-defining moment.
Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
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