Packers' $9 million star with 16 TDs looks 'unreal' in rehab, sending message to league

Last season, Christian Watson suffered a season-ending injury due to an ACL tear. It still remains unclear how the team plans to manage his recovery—or whether he'll be ready for the regular season. However, in June, Watson looked impressive in a video he released.

“On Friday, he shared an Instagram video of himself sprinting and running routes—his most active showing yet since the injury,” reported Athlon Sports’ Felipe Reis Aceti.

The Packers face a major decision regarding Watson’s future. He’s either in line for a new contract or potentially heading for a trade—or even a departure in free agency. Another key factor is whether he’ll return to his pre-injury form.

“This leaves his future with the Packers somewhat up in the air. Finding a compromise on a contract to keep him on the team in 2026 and beyond projects to be difficult, and depends greatly on how quickly and effectively he can return to his pre-injury form,” wrote Packers Wire’s Mark Oldacres.

Watson is likely to begin the season on the PUP list. But during training camp on Thursday, he looked as sharp as ever.

“We’re not allowed to shoot rehabbing players, but Christian Watson is cutting pretty sharply and running quite fast on the sideline,” The Athletic’s Matt Schneidman posted.

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This is a great sign for Watson’s progress. The way he’s moving should be encouraging for everyone inside the Green Bay locker room. Packers Report’s Andy Herman confirmed Schneidman’s observation, adding his own sense of amazement:

“Can confirm. It’s unreal,” Herman wrote.

It’s starting to look dangerous for cornerbacks who will have to line up across from Watson in man coverage. He’s reminding the Packers exactly why they should want to keep him. While he still has some recovery ahead, Watson is already looking like a serious threat—and he’s not even fully healthy yet.