Miami Dolphins receiver Grant DuBose will remain at a Houston-area hospital overnight for further evaluation after he was was taken off the field on a stretcher after a helmet-to-helmet hit against the Houston Texans on Sunday.
DuBose tried to make a catch in the third quarter, but was hit in the head by rookie Calen Bullock before his head violently hit the turf. He appeared to clench both fists after the hit -- movements consistent with what’s referred to as the “fencing response,” which can be common after a traumatic brain injury -- before remaining motionless as medical personnel rushed to his side.
DuBose was ruled out with a head injury. He was transported to a Houston-area hospital for evaluation and was in stable condition, per the team. Head coach Mike McDaniel told reporters after the Dolphins' 20-12 loss that they had received positive feedback regarding DuBose's status.
Bullock was given a flag for unnecessary roughness for hitting a defenseless receiver on the play.
DuBose remained on the field for more than 10 minutes as he was tended to by emergency medical personnel. His jersey was cut off him and a neck brace was put on him while players from both teams watched with concern.
At one point while he was down, the Dolphins moved away from him and into a circle where they kneeled and appeared to be praying. McDaniel and Houston head coach DeMeco Ryans embraced at one point while he was still on the field.
DuBose was eventually put on a spine board where his arms and legs were strapped down and he was taken off the field. A tube of some kind was in his mouth and no movement could be seen as he was taken off the field.
DuBose was a seventh-round pick last season and returned Sunday after injuring his shoulder early in the season.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.