NFL Week 8: Packers beat Panthers 27–19 as Watson returns
Green Bay receiver Christian Watson returned from hospital and finished with 8 catches for 113 yards in the win.
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Green Bay receiver Christian Watson returned from hospital and finished with 8 catches for 113 yards in the win.
Green Bay Packers receiver Christian Watson returned from hospital to finish with 8 catches for 113 yards in a 27–19 win over the Carolina Panthers at Lambeau Field on October 29, 2026. An X-ray showed a broken rib, while a CT scan and blood tests found no additional issues, ESPN said.
ESPN’s earlier account quoted Watson as saying his hospital tests, including the CT scan, had come back clean and he had been cleared to return to the stadium and play again. The updated account identifies the broken rib on X-ray and specifies that the further scan and bloodwork showed no additional issues.
According to ESPN, Green Bay recorded 6 sacks of Carolina quarterback Bryce Young.
Green Bay selected Watson in the second round of the 2022 draft after he played college football for the North Dakota State Bison. He was injured on a 53-yard catch with 9:11 remaining in the second quarter against Carolina. Watson said he thought he had landed on the ball or his elbow.
Watson said he initially could not breathe on the field and then began spitting up blood on the sideline. The doctor told him he needed a CT scan, which uses X-rays to produce detailed images inside the body. He climbed into an ambulance shortly before 8:30 p.m. local time.
Watson had also gone to hospital to check for broken ribs after the December 15 game at Denver last season, ESPN said. Those tests were negative, and he played in the next game.
FIFA has confirmed separate preparation payments of $2.5 million per participating association, while a decision on the reported prize target is expected in December 2026.
Watson said he wanted to return even before leaving hospital and intended to play again if permitted. He reached the Packers' sideline with 6:56 left in the third quarter and reentered the game with 4:01 remaining in that quarter.
After returning, he caught passes for 6 and 7 yards.
| Stage | Catches | Receiving yards |
|---|---|---|
| Before leaving | 6 | 100 |
| Full game | 8 | 113 |
Packers coach Matt LaFleur praised Watson’s grit in returning and said he had a strong night. Safety Xavier McKinney said the return showed resilience, toughness and love for the team, and earned Watson his teammates' respect.
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