- Perris Jones was carried off the field on a stretcher after a brutal helmet collision
- UVA confirmed he underwent spinal surgery and was even able to run on Saturday
- provides the latest international sports news
Virginia running back Perris Jones underwent successful spinal surgery Friday, hours after a horrific head collision left him immobilized on the field in Louisville.
The scary scenes occurred in the third quarter of the NCAA college football game between the two teams on Thursday when Jones suffered a hard blow to the helmet and immediately fell to the ground.
He received medical attention in the field and was wheeled away on a stretcher before being taken to hospital, where he now lies.
The team provided an update on his condition at midday Saturday, revealing that the young player had undergone successful spinal surgery on Friday, which resulted in him being able to “walk briefly” on Saturday morning.
The full statement read: “Perris Jones underwent successful spinal surgery on Friday at UofL Medical Center.” Today, Perris was able to walk briefly.
Virginia running back Perris Jones (2) was injured in this direct collision on Thursday
The game was stopped and players from both sides crowded around Jones as he was helped
Virginia RB Perris Jones fumbles the ball. His teammate Malik Washington recovers the loose ball and scores.
But the celebration was short-lived as Jones, who appeared to be unconscious when the hit occurred, was looked after. pic.twitter.com/IS6sIYifxA
– The Comeback (@thecomeback) November 10, 2023
“He remains under observation and will be transferred to Frazier Rehabilitation Institute in Louisville for further treatment when his medical team deems it appropriate.”
In the incident, Jones caught a 7-yard pass from Anthony Colandrea and was about to run upfield when he fumbled after a hard hit on his helmet from Cam’Ron Kelly while several other Cardinals were nearby.
Malik Washington grabbed the ball near the right sideline and rushed down the field for the touchdown to make it 21:14.
Kelly said the play gave him the opportunity to make the tackle and suggested that Jones tried to go down and he went down too.
In a statement Saturday, UVA confirmed that he underwent successful spinal surgery on Friday
Fans and players applauded Jones as the car left the field and he was taken to UofL Hospital
“I just pray for him,” Kelly said. “I said my piece to him as he lay on the stretcher. I have nothing but love for him. I hope he recovers soon.’
The crowd at L&N Stadium fell silent as medical personnel from Virginia and Louisville rushed to tend to Jones, who was lying on the turf, and a cart quickly moved onto the field.
Players from both teams knelt for about 15 minutes while Jones was treated and carefully lifted onto the board, with his head wrapped between two pads, and then onto the cart as the Cavaliers players gathered around him.
Fans and players applauded Jones as the car left the field. He was taken to UofL Hospital for observation and coach Tony Elliott said after the game that Jones would have an MRI.
Cavaliers players and staff kneel after the frightening incident during Thursday night’s game
“We’re getting some encouraging news, but I don’t want to say anything until we get it officially,” Elliott said.
“It’s a very, very difficult reality of the sport we play that any game can end like that and you don’t wish that on anyone.” Man, I know one thing: (Perris Jones) is a tough young man and he bets every time If he plays for this football team, everything is at risk.
“(We) believe and pray that he will make a full recovery. “I leave that in the Lord’s hands and ask in advance and believe that that will be the case.”
Louisville beat Virginia 31-24.
Virginia football star Perris Jones underwent spinal surgery Friday after a horrific head impact left him immobile and left his teammates crying on the field… He was able to “walk briefly” on Saturday, the team reveals.