GREEN BAY, Wis. – In a shocking roster decision, the Green Bay Packers have made a bold and calculated move to activate star wide receiver Christian Watson from injured reserve for their Sunday night showdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers. To make room on the 53-man roster, the Packers have released third-year tight end Ben Sims, a rising player who had shown promise in his limited role this season. The move, reported by ESPN’s Rob Demovsky, has sparked debate among fans and analysts, as Sims’ release underscores the team’s high expectations for Watson’s return and their willingness to part with a contributor to prioritize their star.
A Tough Call to Bring Back Watson
Christian Watson, sidelined since suffering a torn ACL in Week 18 against the Chicago Bears, has been working tirelessly to return to the field. His 21-day return-to-play window, which opened on October 6, was nearing its close, forcing the Packers to make a decision. With Watson now cleared to play, the team is eager to reintegrate the explosive wide receiver, whose big-play ability and perimeter blocking are critical to their offensive scheme. “It means the world to me to be able to look forward to the opportunity to play some football again,” Watson said, expressing his excitement about returning to action.
However, Watson’s activation required a corresponding roster move, and the Packers chose to part ways with Ben Sims, a versatile tight end who had carved out a role on both offense and special teams. The decision to release Sims, who played in 37 games for Green Bay since going undrafted in 2023, has raised eyebrows, especially given his reliability and work ethic.
Ben Sims: The Sacrificial Lamb
Ben Sims, who initially joined the Packers after a stint with the Minnesota Vikings during his rookie training camp, had become a fan favorite for his grit and readiness. In six games this season, Sims logged one snap on offense and 14 on special teams, showcasing his value as a depth player. Last season, he played in all 17 games, starting five, and recorded four receptions for 42 yards, including a memorable touchdown as a rookie.
Sims’ mantra of “stay ready so you don’t have to get ready” reflected his professional approach, as he maintained a consistent preparation routine regardless of his game-day status. “I don’t know if I’m active or inactive until a couple hours before the game,” Sims said earlier this season. “My preparation has to be the same on a week-to-week basis.” Despite his contributions, Sims found himself overtaken on the depth chart by John FitzPatrick, a tight end who has shown versatility with 89 offensive snaps, 25 special teams snaps, and four receptions for 20 yards, including the team’s lone touchdown in a loss to Cleveland.
The Packers’ decision to release Sims rather than another player, such as guard Donovan Jennings or kicker Lucas Havrisik, highlights their commitment to Watson’s return. Sims’ release opens the door for a potential return to the practice squad, but the tight end may explore other opportunities where he can secure a more prominent role.
Kicker Conundrum: A Dual Approach
Interestingly, the Packers also faced a decision regarding their kicking situation. Veteran Brandon McManus, listed as questionable on the injury report, performed well in Thursday’s practice, but the team opted to retain both McManus and rookie kicker Lucas Havrisik for the Steelers game. Havrisik, who has been flawless in high-pressure situations, made all 10 kicks against Cincinnati and Arizona, earning praise from head coach Matt LaFleur. “Here’s a guy who hadn’t played within a team setting… to go in there in high-pressure situations and make big-time kicks and to come through and flawless in that regard I think has been pretty special,” LaFleur said.
The decision to carry both kickers suggests the Packers may be leaning toward Havrisik for the game, with McManus’ injury status creating uncertainty. This cautious approach contrasts with the decisive move to release Sims, highlighting the team’s strategic balancing act as they prepare for a critical matchup.
Watson’s Return: A Game-Changer?
Watson’s return comes at a pivotal moment for the Packers, who are without wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks and have Matthew Golden listed as questionable. Watson’s ability to stretch the field and serve as a quality blocker on the perimeter could provide a significant lift against a tough Steelers defense. Addressing concerns about Pittsburgh’s questionable turf, Watson expressed confidence in his recovery, stating, “My goal is to feel 100 percent so that’s not really something that we’re thinking about, for sure.”
The Packers’ decision to prioritize Watson over Sims reflects their belief in his potential to elevate the offense. However, the release of Sims, a reliable and hardworking player, underscores the cold reality of NFL roster management. As the Packers prepare to face the Steelers, all eyes will be on Watson to see if he can justify the team’s bold move and deliver the spark they need.
What’s Next for Sims?
While the Packers could re-sign Sims to their practice squad, the move would require releasing another player. Sims, with his experience and proven ability, may attract interest from other teams looking for a versatile tight end. His departure leaves a void in Green Bay’s depth chart, but it also opens the door for FitzPatrick and others to step up.
As the Packers head to Pittsburgh, the decision to release Sims in favor of Watson is a stark reminder of the business side of football. Fans will be watching closely to see if Watson’s return lives up to the hype—and whether the sacrifice of a rising talent like Sims proves worthwhile.