Christian Watson Injury: Update on Packers weapon after big play led to concerning outcome
Packers wide receiver left the game and was taken to the hospital in Green Bay for precautionary testing.
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson left “Thursday Night Football” against the Carolina Panthers with a chest injury, and the situation took a concerning turn shortly after. According to the NBC broadcast, Watson went to the hospital in an ambulance.
During the third quarter, John Kuhn reported on the Packers Radio Network that all tests were negative, so Watson was allowed to leave the hospital and head back to Lambeau Field.
Watson got hurt in the second quarter after he hauled in a 53-yard reception on a deep shot from quarterback Jordan Love. Green Bay initially ruled him questionable to return with a chest injury. He then walked to the locker room, potentially for X-rays, before NBC reported the ambulance trip. According to the Packers, he went to the hospital for “precautionary testing.”
A concerning development turned into a special moment
A trip to the hospital means the medical staff wants a closer look. Watson went through tests, but they came back clean, so Watson returned to Lambeau to get back on the field.
Watson was dominating before he went down, despite one fumble. He had six receptions for 100 yards in the short time he played against Carolina. With that production, Watson now has 695 receiving yards and six touchdowns, which makes him one of the most productive players on the roster, and in the entire NFL.
Wide receiver room needs Watson
Without Watson, Green Bay’s receiving corps looks very different. Matthew Golden, the other top option, is already playing through shoulder and foot injuries.
Beyond Watson and Golden, the Packers’ wide receiver room only has Savion Williams, Bo Melton, undrafted rookie J. Michael Sturdivant, and special teamer Coleman Owen. None of them offers the vertical threat Watson brings to the offense. Love and head coach Matt LaFleur had to adjust the plan on the fly while Watson was out, with Golden still nursing his own injuries.
Tight end adds to the problem
The issue goes beyond wide receiver. Tight end Josh Whyle was evaluated for a concussion and ruled out, and Jonnu Smith was a healthy scratch. As a consequence, the Packers have only Tucker Kraft and Mark Redman at the position.
Kraft remains the focal point of the passing game when he’s on the field. Still, two tight ends and a short list of healthy receivers leave Green Bay with very little margin for error if anyone else goes down.
