HOUSTON – Miami Dolphins wide receiver Grant DuBose is currently hospitalized in stable condition after experiencing a serious head injury during Sunday’s match against the Houston Texans. He will not be returning to South Florida with the team immediately.
Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel shared that initial evaluations of DuBose’s head and neck have provided “positive feedback.” As a precaution, DuBose will remain in Houston overnight for further assessment.
The incident occurred in the third quarter when DuBose suffered a helmet hit from Texans safety Calen Bullock while attempting to catch a pass from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. DuBose was motionless on the field for approximately 11 minutes as medical personnel provided care. After removing his facemask and helmet, they cut off his jersey and placed him on a spine board, securing him in a neck brace before transporting him to Memorial Hermann Hospital.
Throughout the ordeal, DuBose’s teammates gathered on the field to pray for his well-being, emphasizing the bond and support among players in times of crisis. Coach McDaniel and Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans shared a moment of comfort while waiting for updates on DuBose.
“Seeing a teammate down like that is really tough, and we’re all praying for his quick recovery,” Ryans remarked.
This game marked DuBose’s return after being sidelined for several weeks due to a shoulder injury sustained earlier this season. Bullock received a penalty for unnecessary roughness due to the hit on DuBose. He expressed regret, stating he was not trying to injure anyone and hoped for DuBose’s recovery.
Tua Tagovailoa, who has faced his own challenges with concussions, took accountability for the play, admitting he felt responsible for putting DuBose in a vulnerable situation. He mentioned, “It was tough to move on after that happened… You never want to be put in any of those situations.”
Teammate Tyreek Hill reported that DuBose was in “good spirits” following the incident and noted that he was responsive. “It was scary to see him down like that. It highlights the risks we face playing this game,” Hill added.
Despite the emotional turmoil surrounding DuBose’s injury, the Dolphins managed to score their first touchdown in a challenging 20-12 loss, bringing their season record to 6-8.
McDaniel acknowledged the difficulty of focusing on the game after such a serious event but emphasized his responsibility to continue for the sake of his team. “I have to push through because people are counting on me,” he said.
Additionally, Dolphins receiver Jaylen Waddle also left the game early with a knee injury, and coach McDaniel stated they would await further information before updating his status.
In light of this situation, it is inspiring to see the support among players and coaches, highlighting the unity and care that exists in sports, especially in moments of adversity. The resilience displayed by players and the ongoing commitment to their teammate’s health is commendable.
Overall, while the situation is serious and concerning, there are reasons for hope. Positive updates on DuBose’s condition suggest a potentially brighter outlook as the team rallies around him.