Russell Gage left Monday’s game on a backboard and was taken to a hospital. (Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Russell Gage walked out of Monday’s playoff game against the Dallas Cowboys after suffering a terrifying late-game injury to a backboard. He was taken to a local hospital to be evaluated for a concussion and neck injury and was held overnight for observation.
Cowboys safety Donovan Wilson touched Gage’s head after an incomplete pass late in the fourth quarter of an NFC wild card game. Gage fell backwards after the pass and Wilson hit him from behind, snapping Gage’s head forward. Wilson didn’t aim for Gage’s head. He was already committed to the duel when Gage fell.
Gage appeared to try to get up from the hit but couldn’t. He stayed on his back. Players from both teams surrounded Gage while athletic coaches tended to him. After a few moments, athletic trainers placed Gage on a backboard and eventually lifted him onto a cart where he was taken off the field.
On Tuesday morning, the Buccaneers confirmed that Gage sustained a neck injury and a concussion during the game and was able to move all of his extremities.
“After suffering a neck injury and concussion in the fourth quarter of yesterday’s game, Russell was rushed to a local hospital where he stayed overnight for additional testing and observation,” the team’s statement said. “Russell had movement in all extremities and will undergo further testing today. We will provide additional information as it becomes available.”
Play resumed after Gage left the field in a 31-14 Cowboys win on Monday. Bucs head coach Todd Bowles told reporters after the game that Gage was able to move his fingers after scoring on the field.
Gage was initially ruled questionable ahead of Monday’s game after injuring his back on a touchdown catch in Week 18.