Lions linebacker Jack Campbell taken to hospital after neck injury against Vikings

Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell was taken to hospital for evaluation of a neck injury after being hurt while tackling Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson on Sunday. The Lions confirmed the hospital transfer, according to BBC Sport and the Associated Press, as Detroit completed a 19-15 victory over Minnesota.

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Medical personnel attended to Campbell on the field before securing him to a backboard and lifting him onto a cart. AP reported that he had been lying face down after making his third tackle of the game. Players and much of Detroit’s coaching staff gathered around, and spectators applauded as he was taken away for further evaluation.

Yahoo Sports reported that fellow Lions linebacker Jimmy Rolder also went down on the play but was able to get up while Campbell remained on the turf. Staff treated Campbell for several minutes before moving him. The report described visibly emotional reactions among Detroit’s players, including defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, who shares defensive captaincy duties with Campbell.

Head coach Dan Campbell said after the game that the linebacker was receiving care but that he had no additional information to provide. BBC Sport reported his concern for the player and his family. The coach’s update did not establish the extent of the injury or a recovery timetable, leaving those questions unanswered after the game.

Campbell, 26, joined Detroit as the 18th overall selection in the 2023 draft after playing at Iowa. AP reported that the Lions signed him to a four-year extension in May, keeping him under contract through the 2030 season. He earned All-Pro recognition last season after becoming the first NFL player in seven years to record at least 150 tackles, five sacks and three forced fumbles.

Detroit’s win handed Minnesota its first defeat of the season, Yahoo Sports reported. Campbell was not the only Lions defender hurt during the contest: BBC Sport also reported concussions for DJ Wonnum and Brian Branch. The result therefore came alongside injury concerns, with the coach’s postgame comments offering no further detail on the hospitalized linebacker’s condition.