The theme of the Green Bay Packers receiving major tackle injuries continued nearly halfway through the 2026-27 season.
That continued Thursday night against the Carolina Panthers when star receiver Christian Watson left the game after making a big play.
Christian Watson temporarily left Thursday’s game, was taken to a local hospital
After hauling in a 53-yard reception Thursday, Watson left the game with a chest injury. Not only did Watson return to the locker room area, but the broadcast caught him climbing into an ambulance and being taken to a local hospital.
According to sideline reporter Kaylee Hartung, Watson being taken to the hospital was for precautionary reasons, as chest injuries are something that should always be carefully monitored.
In the third quarter, Watson returned to the game.
Christian Watson is having a career season in just eight weeks
The injury to Watson is a huge blow, as he is already having the best year of his career just eight games into the season.
Before his injury Thursday, Watson had six catches for 100 yards with a touchdown, giving him a season total of 40 catches for 695 yards with seven touchdowns.
The 40 catches are the second most of his career, while the 695 yards is a new career-high for the fifth-year man from North Dakota State. Additionally, Watson’s seven touchdowns tied his career high, a mark he returned in his rookie season.
Christian Watson has been injured every season of his career
The reason Watson’s overall numbers have been low each year is because of his injury history.
He appeared in double-digit games in three seasons, but several of those included games he sat out with an injury. It says that in the 2024 season when he played 15 games, he posted career-lows in catches (29) and touchdowns (2).
Priority No. 1 is Watson’s health, and Green Bay needs to make sure its star receiver is 100% healthy before he returns to the field.