Packers' Watson goes to hospital with chest injury in 2nd quarter. Then he returns to the game.

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson got taken to the hospital after injuring his chest in the second quarter Thursday, only to return to the game in the second half.

Watson's injury occurred as he made a 53-yard catch, with Carolina Panthers cornerback Will Lee also getting hurt on the play while making a diving stop. Lee was carted into the locker room with a hamstring injury and didn't return to the game.

After getting sent to the hospital for examination, Watson returned to Lambeau Field and received a huge ovation as he headed back to the field after the Packers had extended their lead to 27-10 in the third quarter. Watson returned to the game later in the third, after Ryan Fitzgerald's 50-yard field goal made it 27-13.

Watson had six catches for 100 yards before leaving the game.

Lee's exit was the latest bit of bad news for Carolina's defense.

The Panthers already have three cornerbacks on injured reserve in Akayleb Evans (triceps/knee), Mike Jackson (groin) and Jaycee Horn (quadriceps). Evans was placed on injured reserve before Thursday’s game.

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