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The Green Bay Packers devastating end to the 2024 season continues. According to ESPN’s Rob Demovsky, wide receiver Christian Watson is unlikely to return in time for the start of the 2025 NFL season after tearing his ACL against the Chicago Bears in Week 18. Watson, who has battled injuries throughout his three-year career, now faces a lengthy recovery process that could extend well past the offseason.
Watson’s absence leaves the Packers in a precarious position at wide receiver. The team is set to return the same group of pass catchers from the 2024 season, but the lingering question remains.
Who will step up as the team’s go-to wideout?
Do the Packers Need a Number One Receiver?
Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst expressed his confidence in the team’s receiving corps, emphasizing a balanced approach rather than relying on one star player.
“I think we have some of those guys, and I think we don’t have just one,” Gutekunst said. “I think historically, if you look at a lot of the teams, very rarely do teams that have one receiver that’s super heavy with targets, that doesn’t usually play out well for playoffs and success there.”
Gutekunst’s remarks suggest a belief that the Packers can spread the ball around among their existing weapons. However, Watson’s dynamic playmaking ability leaves a significant void. In his young career, Watson established himself as a consistent big-play receiver, capable of stretching defenses and opening opportunities for others.
With Christian Watson sidelined, the Packers will need players like Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, and Dontayvion Wicks to take on larger roles. Tight ends Tucker Kraft and Luke Musgrave, both entering their third seasons in 2025, are also expected to develop into more reliable pass-catching options.
Potential Reinforcements on the Horizon
Despite his confidence in the current roster, Gutekunst did not rule out the possibility of adding new talent at wide receiver during the offseason. Whether through the draft, free agency, or a trade, the Packers may explore options to bolster their offense.
“[If] that makes some sense for us, we’ll certainly look to do that, but we’re also looking for these guys to continue to grow and hopefully grow into that space.”
Gutekunst also highlighted the need for the Packers’ offense to improve its consistency. While praising the unit’s explosiveness, he emphasized situational football and the ability to control games as areas of growth.
“This is really more for our football team and an offense as a whole, but just consistency, being able to control the game whenever we need to control the game,” Gutekunst said.
“I think there were times we were exceptionally explosive this year, but I want to see us be able to control the game however we need to. Whether that’s through the run game or the passing game, you always want to be explosive because, as Matt says, that leads to points. But at the same time, situational football and being more consistent as an offense is something we can be better at, and I think we will.”
In the wake of Christian Watson’s injury, the Packers will need find another playmaker for the receiver room. One player hinting at a potential reunion is Davante Adams. While the rumors build, Green Bay will likely be in the market for another playmaker in the receiver room.
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