‘Immobilized’ Douglas Coleman carried on stretcher after taking ‘brutal’ hit during preseason game against Chiefs
NFL preseason claims another injury as Chicago Bears safety Douglas Coleman III left immobilized against Kansas City Chiefs.
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Chicago Bears medical staff attend to safety Douglas Coleman III (Image via Open Source/X)
American football demands physical prowess and toughness, but it comes with its own risks. For Chicago Bears safety, Douglas Coleman III, his first official NFL season, saw these dangers firsthand during a preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
In the second half’s opening play, the ball went to Chiefs receiver Cornell Powell. As Bears corner Ro Torrence attempted a tackle, safety Coleman charged in to prevent further yardage. However, Coleman’s head collided with Powell’s torso, leaving him instantly immobilized on the field.
Bears medical staff rushed onto the field to try and assist him. But they soon understood that he could not continue. Some Kansas City Chiefs and Chicago Bears players took a knee in solidarity as medical staff tried to stabilize the safety. Eventually, he had to be stretchered off the field. But he did give a thumbs up to his team as he was carted away to the team hospital.
This injury was the only downer in the game that saw a lighting run from Chiefs fullback Carson Steele. Both teams played most of their reserves as the Chicago Bears thumped the Chiefs in their backyard 34-21. The retooled Bears will start their regular season buoyed on this 4-0 preseason sweep.
Douglas Coleman injury shows dangers still exist in NFL
Up until the mid-2010s flying hits were scorned, especially if it involved using the helmet and/or causing bodily injury through targeting. However, this hit did not involve the helmet or targeting. That shows that the dangers of playing in the NFL exist every time players put their pads and helmets on.
The NFL has consciously taken a stand against such plays. The league has imposed strict penalties and fines to discourage players from taking that route. But even then, a stray hit here or there has seen players being reprimanded. The ban on hip-drop tackles is one such move to prevent lower leg injuries.
But injuries to the body are harder to officiate. That said, these hits, even the one Douglas Coleman used, could have long-lasting effects on player health. The only question is, what would have been the reaction if it was the opposing player who was injured.
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Joseph Varghese
(2530 Articles Published)