The Green Bay Packers' 34–26 defeat to the Denver Broncos on Sunday, December 15, was overshadowed by a deeply concerning injury to star wide receiver Christian Watson. The incident occurred at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado, forcing Watson to leave the game and be transported to a local hospital for further evaluation.
A Frightening Moment on the Field
The injury happened on the very first play of the Packers' second offensive drive in the third quarter. At that time, Green Bay held a 23–14 lead. Quarterback Jordan Love launched a deep pass intended for Watson, but Denver Broncos All-Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain II made a crucial interception at the Denver 29-yard line. Both players collided and crashed hard to the turf.
Christian Watson remained on the ground, immediately clutching his upper body in visible distress. Packers medical staff rushed onto the field, followed by head coach Matt LaFleur. After several anxious minutes, Watson was helped to his feet and slowly escorted to the locker room. The team initially listed him as questionable before officially ruling him out for the remainder of the contest.
Hospital Visit and Troubling Injury History
During the CBS broadcast, reporter Tracy Wolfson revealed that Watson was undergoing X-rays in the locker room for a chest injury. Following the game, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporter Tom Silverstein confirmed the worrying update: Watson had been taken to a Denver hospital for more tests. Silverstein added that the wide receiver was expected to fly back to Green Bay with the team.
This latest setback is particularly alarming given Watson's recent history. The talented receiver missed the first six games of the 2025 season while recovering from a torn ACL he suffered on January 5, 2025, in the final game of the 2024 season. His return in Week 8 had provided a significant boost to the Packers' offense.
Watson's Vital Role in the Packers' Attack
Before his exit on Sunday, Watson had caught three passes for 29 yards against the Broncos. His importance to the team's scheme was immense, even in limited snaps. In recent weeks, he had firmly established himself as Jordan Love's primary target in the passing game.
Entering the Week 15 matchup, Christian Watson had led the Packers in receiving yards for three consecutive games. Through seven appearances this season, he compiled impressive statistics: 25 receptions for 452 yards and five touchdowns. Notably, he had scored a touchdown reception in each of the four games leading up to the Denver contest. His speed and ability as a deep threat have been instrumental in stretching defenses since his return.
The Packers are awaiting results from the thorough medical evaluation and are expected to provide another update on Watson's condition soon. The team and its fans now face an anxious wait to learn the severity of this latest injury to a key offensive weapon.
