Isaiah Bolden Released from Hospital After Scary Injury in Patriots vs. Packers Preseason Game
GREEN BAY, Wis. — New England Patriots rookie cornerback Isaiah Bolden was released from the hospital Sunday morning after absorbing a hit from a teammate that led to him being immobilized, placed on a stretcher, and carted off the field in Saturday night’s preseason game against the Green Bay Packers.
The Patriots said in a statement that Bolden will travel home with the team on Sunday morning.
The injury led to the suspension of Saturday night’s game early in the fourth quarter. Bolden had “feeling in all his extremities,” according to the team, but remained at Aurora Bay Medical Center in Green Bay overnight for observation.
“We thank the medical staff at Aurora Bay Medical Center for their overnight evaluations, as well as the Patriots and Packers medical staffs for their immediate on-field response and care in transporting Isaiah,” the club said Sunday morning.
The Patriots had planned to fly to Tennessee on Sunday, where they were scheduled to hold two practices with the Tennessee Titans leading up to Friday’s preseason finale. The practices have been canceled by the Patriots “due to the circumstances surrounding the abrupt and unexpected ending” to Saturday’s game.
The Patriots now plan to practice at their team headquarters in Foxboro, Massachusetts, before traveling to Tennessee later in the week for the game.
“We’re all saying a prayer for Isaiah,” Patriots coach Bill Belichick said Saturday night. “Appreciate the way the league handled it. I think that was the right thing to do.”
With 10:29 remaining in the fourth quarter, referee John Hussey announced to the crowd at Lambeau Field: “At the agreement of both head coaches and team leadership, we have elected to suspend play for the evening. The game is officially over.”
Belichick said the injury put things in perspective, adding: “We’re all very fortunate.”
Packers coach Matt LaFleur called it “a very scary ending to the game” and said he agreed with the decision to call it.
The Patriots, who practiced with the Packers on Wednesday and Thursday, were leading 21-17 at the time.
Bolden was covering a slant pass toward the inside part of the field and collided with teammate Calvin Munson. He remained down on the ground, and as medical personnel arrived, the entire Patriots team ultimately gathered on the field and knelt nearby.
Packers rookie receiver Malik Heath, who caught the pass on the play, said he didn’t realize exactly what happened until the play was over. He then realized the injured player was Bolden, whom he knows from their college days. Heath is from Jackson, Mississippi, the same town where Bolden went to college at Jackson State.
“I know him, so I didn’t want to finish [the game],” Heath said. “I felt bad, too. It was a good thing we didn’t finish it. It was scary, too. That could’ve happened to me on the hit.” Captain Matthew Slater, the Patriots’ longest-tenured player, led players in a prayer. Slater was later seen speaking with Belichick and LaFleur on the field.
Injuries are an unfortunate part of sports, and Saturday night’s incident served as a reminder of the risks that athletes face every time they step onto the field. The NFL has made player safety a top priority in recent years, implementing rule changes and protocols to minimize the risk of serious injuries.
The immediate response from both teams’ medical staffs and the decision to suspend the game demonstrate the importance placed on player welfare. It is crucial to take all necessary precautions when dealing with potential head and neck injuries.
Isaiah Bolden’s release from the hospital is a positive development, indicating that his condition is stable. However, it remains to be seen how long he will be sidelined and if there will be any long-term effects from the incident.
The Patriots’ decision to cancel their upcoming practices with the Tennessee Titans is a prudent move, allowing the team to regroup and ensure that all players are mentally and physically prepared for the next game. It also gives Bolden the opportunity to rest and recover without the added pressure of immediate on-field activities.
As the Patriots continue their preparations for the regular season, the focus will undoubtedly be on player safety and well-being. The incident involving Isaiah Bolden serves as a reminder of the risks inherent in the game of football and the importance of taking every precaution to protect the athletes.
The NFL and its teams must continue to prioritize player safety, implementing and enforcing rules and protocols that minimize the risk of serious injuries. While injuries are an unfortunate reality of sports, it is essential to do everything possible to prevent them and provide proper care and support to injured players.
Isaiah Bolden’s release from the hospital is a positive step forward, but his recovery will require time and careful monitoring. The Patriots organization, along with the entire football community, will continue to support him throughout his rehabilitation process.
In the end, the health and well-being of athletes should always be the top priority. The incident involving Isaiah Bolden serves as a reminder of this fundamental principle and highlights the ongoing efforts to make football a safer sport for all participants.