HOUSTON -- Miami Dolphins wide receiver Grant DuBose was hospitalized in stable condition after suffering a serious head injury during Sunday's loss to the Houston Texans. DuBose, 23, will remain in Houston overnight for further evaluation and will not immediately return to South Florida with the team.
Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel shared that initial imaging of DuBose’s head and neck had yielded "positive feedback," though further tests are ongoing.
The injury occurred in the third quarter when DuBose sustained a helmet-to-helmet hit from Texans safety Calen Bullock while attempting to catch a pass from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. The collision left DuBose motionless on the field for approximately 11 minutes as medical personnel attended to him.
After having his helmet and facemask removed, along with his jersey being cut off, DuBose was fitted with a neck brace and placed on a spine board. He was quickly transported to Memorial Hermann Hospital for treatment.
Players from both teams displayed visible concern during the incident. The Dolphins gathered in a prayer circle, and coaches McDaniel and DeMeco Ryans shared an embrace while DuBose was still being treated on the field.
"When you see a guy down like that, it’s very hard to witness," Ryans said. "We’re just praying for his recovery."
Player and Team Reactions
Sunday's game marked DuBose’s return to action after a shoulder injury sidelined him since Week 2. Bullock, who was penalized for unnecessary roughness on the play, expressed remorse.
"I was praying he would be OK," Bullock said. "I wasn’t trying to hurt anyone."
Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who has experienced multiple concussions in his career, took personal responsibility for the situation.
"I feel bad that I put him in that position," Tagovailoa said. "It’s tough to move on after something like that happens. I’ve been through it, and it’s no fun. I’m just grateful to hear he’s recovering."
Teammate Tyreek Hill also provided an update, noting that DuBose was "in good spirits" and moving.
"It was scary," Hill said. "Seeing one of your brothers like that—it’s a reminder of the sacrifices we make to play this game."
Moving Forward
The Dolphins ultimately scored their first touchdown after play resumed but fell to the Texans 20-12, dropping their record to 6-8.
McDaniel acknowledged the challenge of continuing after such an incident but emphasized his responsibility to the team.
"That’s never easy, but I have to focus because so many people are counting on me," McDaniel said.
In addition to DuBose’s injury, wide receiver Jaylen Waddle left the game in the first half with a knee injury. McDaniel said Waddle was "super frustrated," with an update expected Monday.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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