Packers WR Christian Watson is injury-free and “right where he wants to be” as he enters year three

If Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson finishes the 2024 season with 1,200 yards and double-digit touchdowns, it wouldn't be a huge surprise to those familiar with his talent and potential. But to reach those numbers, Watson would have to stay healthy, a feat that has so far eluded the talented pass-catcher, now entering his third season.

“That's always been my goal, but it hasn't worked out for me in the past,” Watson said after training on Monday.

Watson stands 6'4″ and weighs 205 pounds. He caught the attention of Green Bay's scouting department when he ran a 14'4″ 40-yard dash and posted a 38″ vertical jump at the 2022 NFL Combine. Ultimately, it was those exceptional traits and the style of play he showed at North Dakota State that convinced the Packers to sign him 34 years later.^th in total.

However, Watson's biggest hurdle in his first two seasons wasn't adjusting to NFL talent or learning the preferences of two different quarterbacks. Rather, it was overcoming soft tissue injuries that cost him 11 games.

After last season, in which he missed eight games with two strains to his right thigh, the team and Watson wanted answers.

So during the offseason, Watson went to the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health to find them. After eight hours of testing, it was discovered that Watson had an asymmetry in the strength of his legs. In other words, his right thigh was weaker than his left.

Watson's top priority was to ensure both legs were equally strong, and the results so far have been encouraging.

Watson was 100% present at training camp and made a number of spectacular plays. The excitement will obviously increase when Green Bay flies to Brazil on Friday to face the Philadelphia Eagles in the season opener, but Watson enters his third year with renewed optimism.

“I want to play 100% of the games, I want to play 100% of the training sessions,” he said. “I'm exactly where I want to be.”

Talk of the Green Bay Packers' number one wide receiver might drive Matt LaFleur crazy, but there's no denying who has the most potential among the team's numerous receivers.

Coaches and players say the Packers' offense is undeniably more dangerous when Watson is on the field. No other receiver is as dangerous at stealing the lead from the defense and making a high-placed catch over a number one corner as he is. Unfortunately, we've only been able to get glimpses of that so far.

Whether this is a make-or-break year for Watson is up for debate, but it is undeniably crucial. For the Packers to pursue their Super Bowl aspirations, they may need a healthy Watson to reach his true potential.