Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell was carted off on a backboard after going down while making a tackle in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings. The team said he was taken to a local hospital to be evaluated for a neck injury. The game was delayed.

Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell was carted off the field after a scary injury in Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings. He suffered what appears to be a serious injury in the fourth quarter, and the game was delayed. The Lions announced that Campbell was being transported to a local hospital to be evaluated for a neck injury. He was immobilized on a backboard before being taken to the hospital.

How the injury happened

Campbell was hurt while trying to tackle Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson, and he stayed down on the field afterward. He was unable to get up on his own and received attention from medical staff before being carted off. Trainers tended to him for several minutes before he was immobilized and loaded onto the cart. The game was played at Ford Field, and Campbell remained motionless following an apparent head or neck injury. He was carted off early in the fourth quarter, and he was taken off on a stretcher during the Week 8 game.

Reaction on the field

Lions defenders were seen kneeling in prayer on the sideline after the injury. Members of both teams took a knee while Campbell was being cared for. Some Lions players, including Aidan Hutchinson, were visibly emotional on the Fox broadcast.

Game context

Before the game, the Vikings were 6-0 and the Lions were 4-2, and Minnesota had won the previous meeting 16-10. Detroit led 12-7 early in the fourth quarter. After the injury delay, the Vikings scored a touchdown and a two-point conversion to take a 15-12 lead. The Lions defense had also lost safety Brian Branch and pass rusher D.J. Wonnum earlier in the game. Both starters were ruled out with concussions after a collision.

Campbell's background

Campbell led the Lions with 54 tackles in their 4-2 start. Detroit gave him a four-year, $81 million contract extension over the offseason. The deal rewarded his first All-Pro season in 2025. The Lions selected the 26-year-old with the 18th overall pick in 2023 after his career at Iowa.