Miami Dolphins wide receiver Grant DuBose taken off the field on a stretcher after hit to the head

HOUSTON (AP) — Miami receiver Grant DuBose was taken off the sphere on a stretcher after a helmet-to-helmet hit in opposition to the Houston Texans on Sunday.

DuBose tried to make a catch within the third quarter, however was hit within the head by rookie Calen Bullock earlier than his head violently hit the turf. He appeared to clench each fists after the hit — actions in keeping with what’s known as the “fencing response,” which will be frequent after a traumatic mind harm — earlier than remaining immobile as medical personnel rushed to his aspect.

Bullock was given a flag for pointless roughness for hitting a defenseless receiver on the play.

DuBose remained on the sphere for greater than 10 minutes as he was tended to by emergency medical personnel. His jersey was minimize off him and a neck brace was placed on him whereas gamers from each groups watched with concern.

At one level whereas he was down, the Dolphins moved away from him and right into a circle the place they kneeled and seemed to be praying. Miami coach Mike McDaniel and Houston coach DeMeco Ryans embraced at one level whereas he was nonetheless on the sphere.

DuBose was ultimately placed on a backbone board the place his legs and arms have been strapped down and he was taken off the sphere. A tube of some sort was in his mouth and no motion might be seen as he was taken off the sphere.

The Dolphins stated DuBose has been dominated out with a head harm. He’s in secure situation and is being taken to an area hospital for additional analysis.

DuBose was a seventh-round choose final season and returned Sunday after injuring his shoulder early within the season.

It’s the second straight Texans recreation the place an opposing participant has been injured by an unlawful hit to the pinnacle after linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair’s hit to the pinnacle of a sliding Trevor Lawrence gave him a concussion Dec. 1.

Lawrence was scrambling within the second quarter in that recreation. He initiated a slide earlier than Al-Shaair raised his forearm and unleashed on the defenseless quarterback. He additionally displayed the “fencing response” however quickly received up on his personal energy and walked to a cart which took him off the sphere.

Al-Shaair was ejected for the hit and given a three-game suspension, which was upheld on enchantment.