Chicago Bears cornerback Douglas Coleman III was injured during the team’s final preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs. The 26-year-old former CFL standout was carted off the field after attempting to make a tackle in the second half. Coleman went down after tackling Chiefs’ Cornell Powell, and his neck appeared to bend awkwardly upon impact. Trainers rushed to his aid, and he was eventually attended to by doctors on the field. Coleman’s face mask was removed, and he was strapped onto a backboard before being carted out of the stadium.
Bears coach Matt Eberflus provided a brief update on Coleman’s condition, stating that he was moving his limbs and gave a thumbs-up before being sent to the hospital. Eberflus mentioned that Coleman was being evaluated at the hospital, but did not provide any further details on his condition. Coleman played college football at Texas Tech and signed with the Denver Broncos in 2020 as an undrafted free agent. He then went on to spend three years with the Ottawa Redblacks in the CFL, where he played as a safety and linebacker. Last season, Coleman appeared in 17 games for the Redblacks, totaling 60 tackles, four sacks, three interceptions, and scoring both an interception and fumble return for touchdowns.
The injury to Coleman occurred in a scary moment on the field, with players from both teams surrounding him as he received medical attention. Trainers and doctors worked quickly to stabilize Coleman and transport him off the field for further evaluation at the hospital. The exact nature and severity of Coleman’s injury were not immediately known, but Eberflus reported that he was able to move his limbs and signal that he was conscious before leaving the field. Coleman’s injury serves as a reminder of the risks that come with playing football, especially at the professional level, and the importance of prioritizing player safety and well-being.
Fans and supporters of Coleman expressed their concern and well-wishes for his recovery on social media, hoping for a swift and full recovery for the injured cornerback. The incident highlights the physical toll that football can take on athletes, despite the rigorous training and conditioning that players undergo. It also underscores the inherent risks involved in contact sports like football, where injuries can occur suddenly and with serious consequences. The NFL and its teams have protocols in place to address and prevent injuries, but incidents like Coleman’s serve as a stark reminder of the dangers that players face on the field.
As Coleman was taken to the hospital for evaluation, the Bears and Chiefs continued their preseason game, with both teams facing decisions on roster cuts and finalizing their lineups before the start of the regular season. The outcome of the game became secondary to the concern over Coleman’s condition, as players, coaches, and fans alike wished for positive news on his recovery. The focus shifted from the game on the field to the well-being of Coleman, highlighting the camaraderie and solidarity that exists among players in times of adversity. The sports community rallied around Coleman, sending thoughts and prayers for his swift recovery and return to the game.
