Packers’ Offense Set to Surge with Return of Key Players
The Green Bay Packers are gearing up for a critical stretch of the 2025 season, and they’re doing so with some major reinforcements on the way. After a much-needed bye week, the Packers have welcomed back key players to practice, most notably wide receiver Christian Watson and offensive linemen Zach Tom and Aaron Banks. Their return couldn’t come at a more pivotal time for a team looking to get its offense back on track after a slow start.
Christian Watson Returns to Practice
Watson, who tore his ACL earlier this year, has been activated from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, with a 21-day window now open for the Packers to decide whether to place him on the active roster. This move is a huge boost for a Green Bay offense that has lacked a true deep threat in his absence. Watson’s ability to stretch the field with his blazing speed and game-changing catches was evident in his stellar 2024 season, where he averaged 21.4 yards per reception. His return will not only give quarterback Jordan Love a dangerous weapon on the outside but will also force opposing defenses to respect the deep ball, opening up more space for the rest of the offense.
Offensive Line Reinforcements
But Watson isn’t the only one coming back to help boost the offense. Offensive linemen Zach Tom and Aaron Banks have also returned to practice, both of whom were sidelined after injuries in the season opener. Tom, a four-year, $88 million extension signee, has been crucial to Green Bay’s pass protection and offensive line cohesion, while Banks, signed in free agency to a four-year, $77 million deal, has been a stalwart in the run game.
The Packers’ offensive line has struggled with consistency, particularly in their run blocking, and the return of Tom and Banks should provide stability and improve the unit's performance. With both players back, the Packers’ line is now in better shape to protect Love, open lanes for the running game, and give the offense the balance it needs to succeed.
What This Means for the Packers Moving Forward
The timing couldn’t be better for the Packers as they head into a crucial matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals at Lambeau Field in Week 6. With Watson back in the mix and the offensive line returning to full strength, Green Bay will have the firepower and protection needed to take their game to the next level. A healthy and dynamic offense is exactly what the Packers need as they try to build momentum and stay competitive in a tough NFC North division.
The Packers’ revamped offense will be tested immediately as they face the Bengals, followed by a challenging slate of games. If the reinforcements can click quickly, Green Bay could make a significant push for the playoffs. Watson’s speed, combined with the stability and run-blocking ability of Tom and Banks, gives the Packers’ offense the tools it needs to succeed—and possibly contend for a deep postseason run.
As Green Bay integrates these key players back into the fold, the rest of the NFC should take notice. With an offense now poised for a resurgence, the Packers are ready to make a statement for the second half of the season.
Broncos’ star defenders sing Nik Bonitto’s DPOY praises after monster game vs. Eagles
The Denver Broncos pulled off a 21-17 comeback victory against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. When someone will talk about the game, definitely star outside linebacker Nik Bonitto will be in the center. His wonderful performance has teammates openly praising him and making him a contender for Defensive Player of the Year.
Defensive lineman Zach Allen couldn’t hold his words back when asked about Bonitto potentially following cornerback Pat Surtain II as the league’s Defensive Player of the Year. “Pat says he’s the DPOY right now. I think it’s pretty accurate,” Allen said after the game.
Bonitto recorded 2.5 sacks against the Eagles, helping Denver register six total sacks on quarterback Jalen Hurts. He now leads the NFL with seven sacks through just five games, the second most in Broncos history through five weeks.
Allen also praised Bonitto’s consistency on every snap. “If you leave him one-on-one, he’s going to win. He’s been incredible. He’s an absolute stud,” Allen stated matter-of-factly about his teammate.
Nik Bonitto’s rise to DPOY
The Broncos’ comeback win from a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit showed their fighting spirit against a tough opponent. Bonitto reflected on that team mentality postgame. “The one thing our team is never going to do is quit,” he said. This really shows his inner motivation for winning.
Head coach Sean Payton has watched Bonitto’s transformation firsthand. “Past performance, past successful performance, leads to confidence,” Payton explained. “Right in front of our eyes, we’ve seen a guy get continually better.”
ESPN’s Bill Barnwell currently lists Bonitto as the DPOY front-runner, citing elite pressure metrics beyond just sack numbers. If this pace continues, Denver has the ability to produce back-to-back DPOY winners with different players for the first time in franchise history.
