Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson revealed that he initially did not want to be taken to the hospital after sustaining a chest injury during his team’s 27-19 victory over the Carolina Panthers. Despite leaving the stadium in an ambulance during the second quarter, the 27-year-old was cleared by medical staff and returned to action in the second half.
Precautionary Hospital Visit Following Hard Fall
Watson suffered the injury after hauling in a 53-yard pass from quarterback Jordan Love in the second quarter, landing heavily on the football. After being examined inside the sideline medical tent and the locker room, he walked to an ambulance under his own power to undergo precautionary testing at a local hospital.
The receiver explained that medical personnel insisted on the trip because he was initially spitting up a small amount of blood. Subsequent testing ruled out internal bleeding or severe complications, though Watson later informed reporters after the game that he had sustained a broken rib.
“It was tough. Honestly, I never wanted to go,” Watson said during a postgame interview with Amazon Prime Video sideline reporter Kaylee Hartung. “I was hoping that they would let me off. I said I was kinda feeling better once I kinda caught my breath. But I mean, they said there was a couple of signs that made them have to take me over there.”
Return to Lambeau Field and Looking Ahead
After receiving medical clearance, Watson traveled back to Lambeau Field early in the second half and ran back onto the field midway through the third quarter. He described the vocal support from the home crowd upon his re-entry as surreal and incredible.
Love targeted Watson immediately on his first snap back in the game, though the pass was incomplete amidst double coverage. Watson went on to record two receptions during the second half to assist in securing Green Bay’s win.
With the Packers entering a mini-bye, Watson expressed confidence that he will be available for the team’s Week 9 matchup against the New England Patriots. He stated that he intends to wear extra padding on his ribs to protect the injury during the upcoming break.
