GLENDALE, Ariz. — Arizona Cardinals running back Jonathan Ward and Green Bay Packers running back Kylin Hill were both carted off the field after a violent collision on a kickoff in the third quarter of Thursday night’s game at State Farm Stadium.
Ward suffered a neck injury and was being evaluated for a concussion. He was able to move all his extremities, according to a press box announcement. Ward was strapped to a backboard with his head and neck stabilized before leaving the field on a cart.
“It’s a concussion, but he’s got all feeling in his limbs,” Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury said after the game. “Obviously, we’re glad about that.”
Hill suffered a knee injury and was sitting upright as he was carted off. He was seen using crutches after the game.
Both players were ruled out. The Packers won 24-21 to hand the Cardinals their first loss.
The hit happened with 6:19 left in the third quarter right after the Cardinals pulled within 17-14 on a touchdown run by James Conner. On the ensuing kickoff, Hill fielded the ball four yards deep in the end zone and took off on a sprint. Ward hit him at the 9-yard line. Both players instantly dropped to the ground.
While Hill grabbed his knee in agony, the Cardinals’ medical staff, which included doctors and trainers, ran onto the field to attend to Ward.
Cardinals players took a knee, and by time Ward was on the cart, the entire Arizona bench had cleared with everyone standing on the field near or around Ward.