The Green Bay Packers face a setback before the 2025 season as stars Christian Watson & Quay Walker hit the PUP list on July 19. Can they overcome early injuries?
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Just days before the pads are set to pop at training camp, the Green Bay Packers were hit with a significant dose of adversity. The team announced Saturday that eight players, including offensive centerpiece Christian Watson and defensive signal-caller Quay Walker, will begin camp on injury lists, casting an early shadow over the team's preparations for the 2025 season.
The Packers placed eight players on injury lists, including key contributors Christian Watson and Quay Walker, just before the start of training camp.
The official list is a concerning one. Wide receiver Christian Watson and linebacker Quay Walker headline the active/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, a major blow to both sides of the ball. They're joined by rookies Micah Robinson, Collin Oliver, and John Williams. Meanwhile, Alex Hale, Amar Johnson, and the versatile Elgton Jenkins landed on the Non-Football Injury (NFI) list. While players on these lists can be activated at any point during camp, their absence means missed reps and a slower start for players the team is counting on heavily.
As the Packers managed the injury list, they also made some final roster tweaks. Defensive linemen Nesta Jade Silvera and Cameron Young were released, moves designed to finalize the 90-man roster heading into camp. On a much brighter note, the front office officially put a bow on its 2025 draft class by signing second-round offensive tackle Anthony Belton. With all draft picks now under contract, the focus shifts entirely to the field, ensuring no contract holdouts will distract from the team's development.
These early developments sharpen the focus on some of camp's most anticipated storylines. Watson's injury puts immediate pressure on a wide receiver room already under scrutiny after an inconsistent 2024. Veterans Jayden Reed and Romeo Doubs, along with free-agent signee Mecole Hardman, will need to lead, while first-round pick Matthew Golden and third-rounder Savion Williams have a golden opportunity for more reps. The other major battleground is the secondary, now operating in the post-Jaire Alexander era. All eyes will be on Keisean Nixon and Nate Hobbs to solidify the cornerback positions and lead a revamped defensive backfield.
While the injury report is a sobering start, it's far from a panic button. These absences create opportunities for young players and unheralded veterans to make their mark. With the full rookie class signed and the roster set, the real test begins on July 23. The storylines are written, the battles are defined, and now it's time to see who will rise to the occasion when training camp officially kicks off.
