Ford Field remained silent as Carolina Panthers offensive lineman Chandler Zavala suffered a scary injury in Sunday’s clash with the Detroit Lions and was taken to the hospital.
Carolina Panthers star Chandler Zavala fell face down on the field in a scary incident during Sunday’s NFL clash with the Detroit Lions.
The offensive lineman appeared to lose consciousness while blocking a run at Ford Field, and his team confirmed that he suffered a neck injury. The left guard engaged defensive tackle Isaiah Buggs and fell to the ground without receiving an apparent hit to the head. This episode sparked great concern from both teams of players, as both teams lined up around him and watched in fear as the 24-year-old rookie was being treated by medical staff.
Zavala was taken off the field in a neck brace, but the biggest fear of the audience was to raise his thumb to rest but he was quickly taken off the field. FOX sideline reporter Pam Oliver said:
“The Panthers tell me Zavala is being transported to the hospital for further evaluation. He has a neck injury.”
Play quickly resumed after the delay, with the Panthers scoring a touchdown by tight end Tommy Tremble moments later to take a 14-7 Lions lead midway through the second quarter.
Zavala was selected in the fourth round of the draft in April after impressing at North Carolina State. He started all five games for the Panthers this season.