Bills coach provides update on Damien Harris after frightening ‘Sunday Night Football’ injury.
Bills Coach Gives Update on Damien Harris After Scary ‘Sunday Night Football’ Injury
Buffalo Bills running back Damien Harris, who was carted off the field Sunday night in an ambulance, is improving, Bills coach Sean McDermott said Monday.
In a Monday media availability, McDermott said Harris was doing “as well as can be expected.”
“He is out of the hospital and resting at home and seems to be in good spirits.”
McDermott said Harris was in the league’s concussion protocol and suffered a neck sprain.
“I think he’s just extremely thankful to God for him being in the situation that he’s in as opposed to what he was several hours ago on that field,” McDermott said, according to ESPN.
Harris took a hit while running the ball on a third-and-1 in the second quarter. He lay still on his back on the turf for several minutes after being tackled by Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke.
This is a routine tackle, Damien Harris even continues kicking his feet as he goes down. Sounds like another commotio cordis with Damar Hamlin.
You can clearly see where they make contact, shoulder to shoulder. Sure injuries happen, it’s a tough sport but this ain’t it.… pic.twitter.com/M73FCUReqv
Harris’ helmet appeared to hit Okereke squarely in the left shoulder. The game was delayed for about five minutes while players from both teams gathered around him on the field.
Does the NFL need rule changes to respond to the injuries we have witnessed?
- Yes
- No
Harris gave a thumbs-up sign as he was loaded into the ambulance.
“It’s my understanding he has full movement,” McDermott said after the game, which Buffalo won 14-9 over the New York Giants, according to the Associated Press.
“Fortunate that he is seemingly heading in a good direction, with the reports we are getting. So I am very thankful to God for that.”
Offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey, who was watching from the coaches’ box, said that he felt “so helpless up there, obviously, and you’re worried about your guys,” according to ESPN.
Damar Hamlin, watching his Buffalo Bills teammate Damien Harris, w the same initials, being taken away in an ambulance. So tragic. I bet he’s having flashbacks. Gy, I wonder what could possibly cause such a thing. I’m sure it’s a all big ole coincidence. pic.twitter.com/vWLm0b4qFt
With January’s on-field collapse of Damar Hamlin in mind, left tackle Dion Dawkins said he checked to see Harris was breathing then turned away because he could not watch Harris be taken off the field, according to the Athletic.
“Imagine if he can’t hold his son,” he said, noting that Harris is expecting a child with his wife, Nyasha. “Off of one play? That’s scary, man.”
“Especially after last year, anytime the ambulance has to come on the field, it brings PTSD. It’s hard. It’s really hard, man,” he continued.
“I hate to say it like this, but before every game starts in this league, you have to hug your loved ones just a little bit closer. You really never know.”
The post Bills Coach Gives Update on Damien Harris After Scary ‘Sunday Night Football’ Injury appeared first on The Western Journal.
What role does player education and awareness play in preventing injuries in the NFL, and how can the league address this aspect of player safety
Ne being in that situation where one of your teammates gets injured and is taken off the field in an ambulance,” Dawkins said. “It’s a scary moment and you just hope and pray that they will be okay.”
The incident involving Damien Harris has once again raised questions about player safety in the NFL and whether rule changes need to be implemented to prevent such injuries. The debate surrounding player safety has been ongoing, with many advocating for stricter rules and regulations to protect players from serious injuries.
While football is inherently a physical sport, the safety of the players should always be a top priority. It is important to strike a balance between the intense nature of the game and the well-being of the athletes. In recent years, the NFL has implemented several rule changes aimed at reducing the risk of head and neck injuries, such as targeting penalties and stricter enforcement of helmet-to-helmet hits.
However, despite these efforts, injuries still occur, and players like Harris continue to be at risk. The collision between Harris and Okereke appeared to be a routine tackle, with the players making contact shoulder-to-shoulder. It is a reminder that even seemingly harmless plays can result in serious injuries.
With the advancements in medical technology and increased awareness of player safety, the NFL must continue to reassess its rules and protocols to ensure the well-being of its athletes. The concussion protocol is an important step in identifying and managing head injuries, but more needs to be done to address other types of injuries that can have long-term consequences.
The recent incidents involving Harris and Hamlin serve as a reminder of the inherent risks involved in playing football. It is crucial for the NFL to learn from these incidents and take proactive measures to protect its players. This includes not only rule changes but also improved equipment, better training methods, and increased emphasis on player education and awareness.
Player safety should not be compromised for the sake of entertainment or the intensity of the game. The NFL has a responsibility to its players and fans to ensure that the game is played in a safe and responsible manner. It is only through continuous evaluation and improvement that the league can make meaningful changes to protect its athletes.
As for Damien Harris, his recovery and return to the field will be closely monitored. It is encouraging to hear that he is improving and in good spirits. The support and well-wishes from his teammates, coaches, and fans will undoubtedly play a significant role in his recovery process.
In the end, it is important to remember that football is not just a game, but a livelihood for many players. Their health and well-being should always be of utmost importance, and the NFL has a responsibility to prioritize player safety above all else.
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