HOUSTON – Grant DuBose, wide receiver for the Miami Dolphins, was hospitalized in stable condition following a serious head injury suffered during Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans. He will remain in Houston for further evaluation and will not travel back with the team to South Florida.
Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel reported some “positive feedback” after DuBose underwent imaging for head and neck injuries. DuBose was removed from the field on a stretcher after absorbing a hard hit to the helmet from Texans safety Calen Bullock during a third-quarter pass attempt from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. The incident led to DuBose being motionless on the field for approximately 11 minutes while medical personnel administered care.
As part of the emergency protocols, DuBose had his facemask and helmet removed and his jersey cut off while he was placed in a neck brace before being carried onto a spine board and transported to Memorial Hermann Hospital.
During the tense moments following DuBose’s injury, Dolphins players gathered in a circle on the field to pray, reflecting the somber atmosphere of the incident. Coach McDaniel and Texans’ coach DeMeco Ryans shared an emotional moment of concern for DuBose as he lay injured. Ryans expressed, “When you see a guy down on the field like that, it’s very hard to see, and we’re just praying that all is well with him.”
This game marked DuBose’s return after being sidelined due to a shoulder injury since Week 2. Bullock was penalized for unnecessary roughness on the play, as he hit a defenseless receiver.
“I was praying that he would be OK,” Bullock commented, noting that he did not intend to cause harm. Following the game, Tagovailoa, who has previously dealt with concussions, took responsibility, expressing regret for putting his teammate in a vulnerable position. He emphasized the physical risks of football but was glad to hear that DuBose was recovering.
Teammate Tyreek Hill provided an update, stating that DuBose was in “good spirits” and that his mobility was reassuring. “It was scary,” Hill admitted, noting the sacrifices players make in the sport.
Although the Dolphins did score their first touchdown following the incident, they ultimately fell to the Texans with a final score of 20-12, bringing their season record to 6-8. McDaniel shared that while such situations are difficult to process, he must focus on the responsibilities his role entails.
In addition, Dolphins receiver Jaylen Waddle sustained a knee injury during the game; McDaniel indicated that Waddle was frustrated, and further updates would follow on Monday.
This incident highlights the inherent risks of professional football and underscores the importance of player safety in the sport. The outpouring of support and concern from teammates and coaches reflects the unity and camaraderie fostered within teams, reminding us that beneath the competitive spirit, the health and well-being of players remain a top priority.
In hopeful news, DuBose’s stable condition and reports of him being in good spirits point towards a positive recovery journey ahead. Fans and supporters will undoubtedly rally around him during this time, illustrating the strength of community within sports.