Bears Rookie Leonard Floyd Stretchered Off After Scary Hit (Video)
Chicago Bears rookie Leonard Floyd had to be stretchered off the field after a hit with the crown of his helmet seemed to compress his neck.
Injury updates are common in the NFL, because that is just a way of life in this league. However, there are some injuries that are incredibly scary to see, and they make you hold your breath, fearing that the worst will happen. That was the case with Chicago Bears rookie Leonard Floyd in Week 11.
Leonard Floyd being carted off the field after this play. Looks like a back/spine injury. Nasty. pic.twitter.com/4NsGMEwY6Y
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 20, 2016
In Sunday’s game against the New York Giants, the ninth overall pick Floyd suffered a neck injury. We can only hope that it isn’t serious, but this looks like it could be a devastating injury.
Floyd came in from the side in an attempt to tackle Giants running back Rashad Jennings, but he collided with teammate Akiem Hicks instead. The former Georgia Bulldogs star collided with Hicks and his helmet hit the defensive linemen’s side.
Bears players kneeled on the field, and there’s a chance this injury could threaten Floyd’s career or long-term health. Head, neck, and spine injuries are scary and the Bears will undoubtedly exercises absolute caution with Floyd going forward.
Next: Time To Believe In Tannehill?
Hopefully he’s OK, and the Bears most likely have big plans for him going forward. Not only did they draft the long, athletic, and versatile outside linebacker high, but this was a guy the Giants reportedly wanted badly for themselves in the first round. He’s looked good and has showed off his jaw-dropping upside as a rookie, so I also hope this injury doesn’t derail his ability to progress into a star defensive player for a Bears defense that has a rich history of elite defenders.
Update – 4:30 p.m. ET
Early word on Bears OLB Leonard Floyd (neck) sounds positive. Hopefully John Fox can provide more details, but that's good.
— Rich Campbell (@Rich_Campbell) November 20, 2016
Despite the scary scene, the initial reports appear to be favorable for the rookie. Let’s hope that remains the case as more details emerge.
Update – 5:25 p.m. ET
Bears head coach John Fox reiterated the early word on Floyd, calling the early signs “encouraging,” per ProFootballTalk. Again, we’ll continue to keep you updated.