Packers' Rookie Wide Receiver Returns to Practice

The Green Bay Packers find themselves in the throes of a four-game losing streak, and they have a struggling passing attack to blame. Thankfully, their receiving corps appears to have avoided a major setback. Wide receiver Christian Watson returned to practice Thursday despite suffering a concussion in Sunday Night Football's 27-17 loss to the Buffalo Bills.

#Packers WRs Allen Lazard (shoulder) and Christian Watson (concussion) are both practicing in pads. pic.twitter.com/iskw55kmTH
— Tom Silverstein (@TomSilverstein) November 3, 2022

Watson exited in Week 8 after only playing six offensive snaps. He had missed three of the previous four weeks due to a hamstring injury suffered in Week 5.

Assuming he continues his progress, Watson's return should provide another option for a Packers offense that has struggled through their first eight games. After ranking 10th in scoring in 2021, the Packers find themselves 26th this year. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers won MVP last year, but his 5.73 net yards per attempt rank 24th among qualified passers in 2022.

Watson joined the Packers as their 34th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft and was expected to help offset the departure of All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams. He has struggled to acclimate to the NFL level, averaging a modest 12.8 receiving yards per game and 5.3 yards per target in his five appearances. Still, his draft pedigree and explosive physical profile make him perhaps the Packers' best hope of eventually turning their offense around.