Packers receiver plays through broken rib

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson returned to the field in the third quarter with a broken rib after spending roughly an hour in the hospital.

The injury occurred during the second quarter of Thursday night's game against the Carolina Panthers. Watson made a 53-yard catch that left him unable to breathe. He spat blood on the sideline and required a CT scan. The scan ruled out internal bleeding but confirmed a fractured rib. He spent between 45 minutes and an hour at the facility before returning to Lambeau Field.

Watson had recorded six receptions for 100 yards before the injury. He finished the game with eight catches for 113 yards. Those totals are part of a season in which he has 42 catches for 708 yards. Both figures represent his career highs through the first eight games.

Carolina Panthers cornerback Will Lee suffered a hamstring injury on the same play as Watson. Lee was carted off the field and did not return. Watson described the moment of impact as having the wind knocked out of him. He noted that doctors sent him for a scan immediately after he began spitting blood.

Watson credited his return with helping stall a Panthers comeback attempt. Carolina cut a 27-10 deficit to 27-19 late in the fourth quarter. Watson caught a 7-yard pass on third and two with about two and a half minutes remaining. That play effectively secured the 27-19 victory for Green Bay.

Teammates reacted with surprise to his return. Safety Javon Bullard called the sequence of events crazy. Safety Xavier McKinney said the return showed resilience and toughness. Watson compared the camera attention during his arrival to a professional wrestling event. He said he felt like he was watching WWE Smackdown vs. Raw when he exited the ambulance.

Watson said he did not consider staying out after the clear scan. He has missed time with various injuries, including a torn anterior cruciate ligament. He stated that being on the football field means everything to him.