Detroit Lions cornerback Saivion Smith was taken off the field by ambulance on Sunday after sustaining a frightening neck injury.
Smith fell hard to the ground after lining up against New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry, collapsing suddenly after contact.
Prayers up for #Lions DB Saivion Smith. The ambulance is out on the field for him after this play. pic.twitter.com/BXErvu6nu4
— 𝗙𝗢𝗟𝗟𝗢𝗪 @𝗙𝗧𝗕𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗱𝟳 (@FTBeard7) October 9, 2022
A stretcher was brought onto the field following an evaluation by team medical personnel, who later called for an ambulance. A family member of Smith’s joined him from the stands and entered the vehicle.
The team later shared that the 24-year-old was being evaluated for a neck injury.
Lions CB Saivion Smith is being taken to a local hospital to be evaluated for a neck injury.
— Detroit Lions PR (@LionsPR) October 9, 2022
The team has not yet released any additional medical information, though Fox broadcasters reported that Smith showed movement of his extremities.
Smith was involved in the tackle of the previous play and reportedly showed no signs of injury prior to making contact with Henry.
I looked back and there was only 1 defensive play before injury and Saivion Smith #29 makes tackle with no issues. Video here… pic.twitter.com/CAvaZHsisj
— Detroit Lions Morning Rounds (@JimmyLiaoMD) October 9, 2022
The fans at Gillette Stadium applauded to show their support for Smith as the ambulance left the field.
Scary sight for a packed house at @GilletteStadium when @Lions DB Saivion Smith got hurt and left the field in an ambulance. Reminder of how dangerous the game can be. #Lions #patriots pic.twitter.com/N2JI3hcorN
— Céline McArthur 🇺🇸 (@CelineTVNEWS) October 9, 2022
The scene comes shortly after another concerning injury involving Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa on Thursday. The former Alabama star was rushed to the hospital by ambulance after sustaining a head injury from a sack by a defensive lineman for the Cincinnati Bengals.
The back of Tagovailoa’s head hit the ground when he was thrown down by Bengals nose tackle Josh Tupou.
This is a disaster. Pray for Tua. Fire the medical staffs and coaches. I predicted this and I hate that I am right. Two concussions in 5 days can kill someone. This can end careers. How are we so stupid in 2022. pic.twitter.com/D8S8eEbgda
— Chris Nowinski, Ph.D. (@ChrisNowinski1) September 30, 2022
The injury was also controversial since Tagovailoa’s status had been questioned over a hit that led to him stumbling after a play by Matt Milano of the Buffalo Bills. Many argued that the star quarterback should not have returned to the game, suspecting he sustained a concussion.
On Saturday, the NFL and NFL Players Association released a joint statement regarding the handling of Taovailoa’s concussion protocol.
“While the investigation determined that the team medical staff and unaffiliated medical professionals followed the steps of the Protocol as written, the NFL and NFLPA agree that the outcome in this case is not what was intended when the Protocols were drafted,” the statement read.
“As such, as has been done in previous cases, based on the advice of the parties’ respective medical experts, the Protocol will be modified to enhance the safety of the players,” it added.
