Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback Mason Rudolph was knocked out cold after being involved in a brutal collision with Earl Thomas II.
Thomas' helmet inadvertently struck Rudolph right on the chin at the same time he was hit from the back and he he quickly fell to the floor, smacking his head right on the turf.
Rudolph was lay motionless on the pitch as concerned teammates tried to shake him awake. There was a four minute delay in the game while Rudolph received treatment and he was fortunately able to walk off the pitch with the aid of two of his teammates.
He was heard saying "I'm good" as he left the field of play but was later taken to hospital and diagnosed with a concussion.
Advert
A medical cart was present but broke down in the field - though the NFL later claimed medical staff decided the vehicle wasn't required.
A statement read: "After evaluating the player, medical staff determined a cart was not necessary in this instance,' the league said. 'Had one been needed, there was a backup cart on the other sideline which was immediately available. He received appropriate medical care per gameday protocols."
Thomas, the man who accidentally caused the concussion, is deemed to be one of the biggests hitters in the NFL. The 30-year old stressed that he did not mean to injure Rudolph and offered his prayers.
Advert
"I was just getting to the ball, trying to make a play for my team," Thomas said in the post-match mixed zone, as per the Post-Gazette.
"I hit the strike zone like we talked about, I didn't go high. I didn't try to intentionally hurt him. I'm worried about him. I heard he's at the hospital. My prayers go out to him and his family."
According to ESPN, Rudolph has been resting at home after being released from hospital but will still need to till take part in the NFL's concussion protocol before he makes his return to action.
Topics: American Football, NFL
