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Packers Confirm Stars Will Miss Start of the 2025 Season

Green Bay, WI – With summer training camp underway, the Green Bay Packers have received disappointing news regarding two key players. Both Christian Watson and Quay Walker have been officially ruled out for the start of the 2025 NFL season.

Christian Watson, expected to be a leading weapon in the Packers’ offense, has not recovered from the persistent hamstring injury that kept him off the field throughout most of last year. Head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed, “Unfortunately, Christian won’t be ready for the start of the season. Our medical team believes he needs more time to get back to 100%.”

Quay Walker, the dynamic linebacker, is also set to miss the opening weeks due to a leg injury that hasn’t healed as quickly as hoped. The coaching staff stressed that while his condition is improving, Walker is not expected to return to the lineup until after the season is underway.

With both stars sidelined, the Packers will be relying on their depth and younger players to step up during this critical stretch. The team has made adjustments in practice, giving opportunities to rookies and backups to fill the voids left by Watson and Walker.

This setback is a real test for Coach LaFleur and his staff, especially as the Packers aim to contend for the NFC North title. Fans in Green Bay now face an anxious wait, hoping for positive progress reports and a speedy recovery for both players.

With Christian Watson and Quay Walker officially out for the season’s start, the Packers must look to their roster’s depth to keep their playoff ambitions on track. The road ahead will demand adaptability, resilience, and belief from the entire organization.

Steelers Add Two Former Packers Fan Favorites to Practice Squad To Strengthen Defense Ahead Of Browns Game
  PITTSBURGH – On Wednesday, October 8, 2025, the Pittsburgh Steelers welcomed two linebackers formerly with the Green Bay Packers for a workout session. The players invited were Michael Barrett and Isaiah Simmons, as the team looks to bolster its defensive unit ahead of upcoming games. Isaiah Simmons, selected as the 8th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Clemson, has appeared in 84 games. He has recorded 329 tackles (226 solo, 103 assisted), 8.5 sacks (74 yards), 5 interceptions (127 yards), 2 interception touchdowns, 9 forced fumbles, and 3 fumble recoveries. Simmons, who briefly signed with the Packers in 2025 but didn’t make the final roster, is known for his versatility and impressive speed. Michael Barrett, a 7th-round pick (240th overall) by the Carolina Panthers in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Michigan, has limited NFL experience. He has appeared in a few games on practice squads with teams like the Packers and Browns but has yet to record significant stats (0 tackles, sacks, or interceptions). At Michigan, Barrett had a standout final college season with 65 tackles, 3 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles. Alex Highsmith, a key linebacker for the Steelers, suffered a high ankle sprain during the team’s Week 2 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on September 14, 2025. The injury sidelined him for Weeks 3 and 4, with an estimated recovery time of 4-6 weeks. While Highsmith was not placed on injured reserve to maintain roster flexibility, he is still recovering post-bye week and expected to return soon. However, the Steelers are seeking temporary replacements for the edge rusher position. The workouts with Barrett and Simmons reflect head coach Mike Tomlin’s cautious approach to adding depth to the defense, especially after releasing Ja’Whaun Bentley and losing Jon Rhattigan to the Raiders. Simmons, with his experience and athleticism, could be an ideal short-term option to support T.J. Watt and Nick Herbig. The Steelers have not yet announced any contract decisions regarding the two linebackers. SOURCE: https://x.com/FarabaughFB/status/1976031373946388722