Jack Campbell reports improving upper-body movement after neck injury in Lions win

Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell said he has regained some movement after suffering a serious neck injury during his team’s win over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, and that he remains hospitalized, Campbell said in a statement on Wednesday.

The 26-year-old was treated for nine minutes on the field after making a tackle, with players from both teams visibly distraught as medical staff attended him before he was taken for further treatment at a hospital in the Detroit area.

“I’m incredibly encouraged by the progress I’ve made in such a short period of time. I have full movement in my lower body, and I’m continuing to make progress with movement in my upper body,” Campbell, who remains hospitalized, said in the statement.

On Monday, Lions coach Dan Campbell paid tribute to the former first-round pick’s contributions to the team. “I don’t even know if I can put it into words. You get voted captain, that says a ton, especially with this group of guys. He earned every bit of that. He’s trustworthy. He’s dependable. He’d give you the shirt off his back,” said Dan Campbell. “He’s just all heart, all effort. And just an unbelievable person. Down to earth. Very genuine. There’s not a man on this team that doesn’t respect Jack Campbell and care about him.”

Campbell was named an All-Pro last season and is in his fourth year in the league. In May, he signed a four-year contract extension with the Lions worth $81m.

“I know there’s still work ahead, but I remain very optimistic. I’m taking things one day at a time, staying positive, and focusing on getting better,” Campbell said in the statement.