Christian Watson Returns to Play After Hospital Visit Against Panthers

Scare at Lambeau Field

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson gave fans a scare on Thursday night against the Carolina Panthers. Watson went to a local hospital after suffering a chest injury during the first half at Lambeau Field.

The injury occurred at the end of a 53 yard deep ball reception where he appeared to land awkwardly. He walked off the field and to the locker room under his own power. He even climbed into the back of an ambulance by himself while still wearing his pads.

The team said the hospital trip was taken for precautionary reasons. Watson returned to the stadium soon after. He jogged out of the tunnel with 6:56 left in the third quarter and re entered the game with 4:01 remaining in the quarter.

Heavy Production and Past History

Before he left the field, Watson was having a huge night with six catches for 100 yards. His 53 yard reception was his third catch of 50 yards or more this season, which leads the entire NFL.

Since 2022, Watson has 11 catches of 50 yards or more, ranking second in the league behind Nico Collins, who has 12. He also recorded his 13th catch of 20 yards or more this season, trailing only Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who has 14.

This was not the first time Watson made a quick trip to the hospital. Last season on Dec. 15 in Denver, he went to get checked for broken ribs. Those tests came back negative, and he played in the next game.

In additional injury news from Thursday, Packers tight end Josh Whyle was ruled out after sustaining a concussion.

What it means for the next game

Green Bay Packers at New England Patriots (NFL, Sun, 08 Nov): New England Patriots win 57%, Green Bay Packers win 43%; projected score New England Patriots 26, Green Bay Packers 21. Our safest pick: Patriots +4.