Christian Watson returns from a hospital trip to lead Packers past Panthers 27-19

The Green Bay Packers beat the Carolina Panthers 27-19 on Thursday night at Lambeau Field, with receiver Christian Watson coming back from a first-half trip to the hospital to lead all receivers.

Watson was hurt after a 53-yard catch and left in an ambulance for precautionary tests on a chest injury, according to USA Today Sports. The tests came back clear and he returned in the third quarter, NFL.com reported. He finished with eight catches for 113 yards.

How it went

Carolina led 10-6 in the first quarter after recovering a fumbled opening kickoff and a Chuba Hubbard touchdown run. Green Bay then pulled ahead and built a 17-point lead in the third quarter before the Panthers cut it to one score with about five minutes left, NFL.com reported.

Josh Jacobs scored twice, once rushing and once receiving. Matthew Golden and Tucker Kraft each caught a touchdown pass.

Key numbers

Source: USA Today Sports.

Green Bay's defense sacked Young six times, Agence France-Presse reported, though the Packers turned the ball over three times and averaged 2.5 yards per carry.

Standings

The Packers improved to 5-3 but remain last in the NFC North, according to AFP. The Panthers fell to 3-4 and still lead the NFC South.