Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson returned to play in a win over the Carolina Panthers on Thursday Night Football after being sent to the hospital for evaluation of a chest injury.
Watson told reporters postgame that he broke a rib and was coughing up blood, according to The Athletic's Matt Schneidman. Tests ruled out anything more serious.
Watson left in the second quarter after a defender landed on him as he completed a 53-yard catch. He also appeared to fall hard on the ball. Watson was transported to the hospital by ambulance before returning in the same vehicle during the third quarter.
What a reception for Christian Watson's return to Lambeau Field 👏 #TNFonPrime https://t.co/koNP7J98uZ
— NFL on Prime Video (@NFLonPrime) October 30, 2026
The Packers initially listed Watson as questionable when he left but never ruled him out. The 27-year-old had a terrific start to the contest and ultimately finished with eight catches and a team-leading 113 yards.
Watson told Prime Video's Kaylee Hartung that doctors wanted to check for internal bleeding as a precaution and that he watched the game on a doctor's phone while at the hospital.
Green Bay improved to 5-3 with the win and will face the New England Patriots (4-3) in Week 9.
