Lions’ Jack Campbell hospitalized after neck injury; team says preliminary indications are positive

Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell was carted off during Sunday’s win over the Minnesota Vikings after suffering a neck injury and remains hospitalized, the team said on Monday. “Preliminary indications are positive and out of respect for Jack and his family we will not share further information at this time,” the Lions added.

Campbell was treated on the field for nine minutes after making a tackle during Sunday’s game and was taken for further treatment at a nearby facility as players from both teams looked visibly distraught. “Jack Campbell continues to rest and recover at a local hospital,” the Lions said in their Monday statement, and the club confirmed he will remain in hospital for the time being.

Lions coach Dan Campbell offered a brief update on Monday: “It’s positive news on Jack. So your prayers are working. Please continue to do that and we’ll leave it at that.” The coach also paid tribute to Campbell’s role in the team, describing him as dependable and respected by his teammates.

On the extent of Campbell’s standing within the squad, Dan Campbell said: “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. 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.”

Quarterback Jared Goff described the incident as frightening and called for support. “Jack’s deal was definitely scary,” Goff said. “It just brings you back to reality for a moment that he’s a husband and a father. Scary. We’re praying for him and hope he’s going to be all right. If anyone is tough enough to get through something like that, it’s going to be him.”

Campbell, 26, 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.

The team has said it will not release further information about Campbell’s condition and asked for privacy for him and his family while he remains in hospital.