Newman, fortunately, showed signs of recovery during the "Sunday Night Football" broadcast, with movement in his limbs while being safely strapped to a spine board.
New York Jets offensive lineman Xavier Newman was carted off the field in Pittsburgh after suffering what looked like a serious injury during Sunday’s game against the Steelers.
The team later confirmed that Newman would be out for the remainder of the game due to a neck injury.
In the third quarter, Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw an interception to Pittsburgh’s Beanie Bishop Jr., who returned it for 41 yards.
As the Steelers were making their return, linebacker Patrick Queen accidentally made helmet-to-helmet contact with Newman. The collision caused Newman to fall backward and hit his head on the ground after the impact from Queen.
Newman stayed on the ground for several minutes, showing no movement at first. The Jets’ medical team quickly brought a stretcher to stabilize his head and neck before transporting him off the field.
According to NBC’s broadcast, Newman was sent to the hospital right away. He had movement in his extremities before leaving the stadium, sideline reporter Melissa Stark shared, adding that he was strapped to a spine board as he was taken off.
Newman was stepping in for the injured Alijah Vera-Tucker at guard. The Jets had Newman listed as the backup for both center Joe Tippmann and left guard Joe Simpson.
After Newman’s injury, Jake Hanson stepped in to play right guard. The Jets seem to be running out of healthy interior offensive linemen, with rookie tackle Olu Fashanu being the only available option left.
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