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DraftKings found themselves in an awkward position on Thursday night.
During the Packers-Panthers game, Packers wide receiver Christian Watson exited the game in the first half after suffering a chest injury.
Watson was initially ruled out for the rest of the game, prompting DraftKings to refund Watson prop bets with their “early exit” policy.
Green Bay Packers WR Christian Watson has been ruled out with a chest injury.
Early Exit has you COVERED for all qualifying sportsbook wagers 🫡
@dk_assist for more ⬇️ https://t.co/igLS3J2haq
— DraftKings Sports (@DKSports) October 30, 2026
After halftime, the Packers told reporters that doctors had cleared Watson and he was returning to Lambeau Field. With 6 minutes left in the third quarter, Watson made a dramatic return.
Christian Watson has popped back out of the ambulance after a trip to the hospital and is going to return tonight.
The closest thing to a WWE script I’ve ever seen in the NFL.
https://t.co/NLFawiPktI
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 30, 2026
Christian Watson just came out of the tunnel to a huge ovation from the Lambeau crowd.
This is some INCREDIBLE theater.
https://t.co/ijRueTzDtC
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 30, 2026
DraftKings later rescinded its “early exit” designation on Watson after he returned to the game.
We prematurely ruled Christian Watson out. The Packers WR has returned to the game.
We apologize for the confusion.
— DraftKings Sports (@DKSports) October 30, 2026
Fans who bet on Watson props were furious with DraftKings.
Draftkings took back all early exit winnings on Christian Watson bets, since he went to the hospital and came back. I withdrew part of my winnings but the money that remained gone. Pretty shady stuff. https://t.co/nRpwogJyJo
— Mike Charlip (@MikeJC821) October 30, 2026
@DKSports @DraftKings pays my bet involving Christian Watson then unpays it https://t.co/pST6RtDCM4
— Evan Richards (@EvanRichardsEsq) October 30, 2026
Hey draft kings @DraftKings @DKSports why don’t you pay everybody who had any Watson bet that didn’t hit?!?!!!?! Early exit then just take our money back!?!! Lawsuits coming https://t.co/3EGcpC2Slp
— Cyclone Deuce (@CycloneDeuce) October 30, 2026
Well @DraftKings gave me my money back on Watson Anytime Touchdown (w/EarlyExit) and then after the game ends they quietly take it back and kill two parlays that already cashed and paid out… (I get Watson came back from the hospital, but still seems not cool) #NFL
— Mr.NiceGuy 𝙈𝙈𝘼 (@MrNiceGuysDude) October 30, 2026
Not usually one to complain regarding sportsbooks decisions but @DKSports @DK_Assist prematurely ruling Christian Watson out with early exit protection, only to take everyone’s money back once they were proven to have made an incorrect choice is quite a decision.
— IEV (@Indy_EV) October 30, 2026