Two NFL preseason games on Saturday were marred by terrifying injuries to rookie Isaiah Bolden of the New England Patriots and quarterback John Wolford of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
With a neck injury, Wolford was carted off the field during the Bucs’ 13–6 triumph over the Jets in New York.
After being tackled by Jets defensive lineman Jalyn Holmes, Tampa Bay’s third-string signal caller, Wolford, fell awkwardly to the ground, putting the team ahead 10–6.
Players from both teams gathered around Wolford as he lay motionless on the field for a few minutes before he was removed from the field, a backboard supporting his neck.
According to the Bucs, Wolford was admitted to the hospital as a precaution but was still able to move all of his limbs.
After the game, coach Todd Bowles said, “He kind of went numb a little bit (but) got his movement back and he seems to be OK.”
Wolford, who is 27 years old, will be starting his sixth season in the league. This off-season, he signed a free agent contract with the Bucs.
With 10:29 remaining in the Patriots’ game against the Green Bay Packers, the game was suspended due to first-year cornerback Bolden being carried off the field on a backboard.
Bolden was injured when rookie Packers receiver Malik Heath made a seven-yard catch and was struck by teammate Calvin Munson.
The game was shortened after Patriots coach Bill Belichick and Packers coach Matt LaFleur met at midfield to pray for their teammate.
“Ladies and gentlemen, at the consent of both head coaches and team leadership, we have elected to suspend play for the evening,” head official John Hussey declared. Officially, the game is over.”
Subsequently, the Patriots announced that Bolden would be hospitalized overnight in Green Bay despite having sensation in all of his extremities.
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