A frightening scene unfolded during the Denver Broncos' preseason clash with the Jacksonville Jaguars, casting a shadow over the game. Wide receiver Pat Bryant was carted off the field after absorbing a devastating hit, sparking immediate concern for his health and a wave of reactions from teammates and coaches.
The Scary Collision and Immediate Aftermath
The incident occurred when Broncos quarterback Bo Nix targeted Bryant with a pass over the middle. As the ball arrived, Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Montaric Brown delivered a powerful blow, making contact with Bryant's head, neck, and chest area. The slow-motion replay of the hit, shared by Dov Kleiman on X, underscored its violent nature.
Bryant remained down on the gridiron following the collision. The Broncos' medical staff acted swiftly, immobilizing the 23-year-old receiver on a backboard as a precaution. In a worrying sight for fans and players alike, he was then loaded directly into an ambulance and transported from the stadium for further evaluation.
Controversial No-Call and Locker Room Concern
Despite the visible impact, referee Shawn Hochuli's crew did not throw a penalty flag on the play. Hochuli explained that officials ruled the contact was not to "the head and neck area" of Bryant, a decision that is sure to be debated. On the field, the emotional toll was clear. Bo Nix, who threw the pass, slammed his helmet to the ground in frustration and worry.
Concern permeated the Broncos' locker room. Teammates expressed their support and anxiety for the young wideout. "Obviously very scary," described Broncos tackle Mike McGlinchey. Wide receiver Courtland Sutton called Bryant a "great dude" who plays with the best effort, asking for prayers for his recovery.
Encouraging Updates and Quarterback's Guilt
Following the Broncos' 34-20 loss, head coach Sean Payton provided a cautiously optimistic update. He confirmed that Bryant had movement in his hands and legs, which he labeled as "encouraging." Later reports brought more relief. Approximately three hours after the injury, Luca Evans of The Denver Post cited a source stating, "He's fine...nothing serious, no fractures." Bryant was being evaluated for potential concussion symptoms.
Quarterback Bo Nix took personal responsibility for the dangerous play, labeling his pass a "hospital ball"—a term for a throw that puts a receiver in a vulnerable position. "I feel responsible because I threw it," Nix said in a somber postgame press conference. He emphasized that while such hits are part of the game, you never want to see them happen, and his primary hope was for Bryant's quick return.
This incident serves as a stark preseason reminder of the physical risks inherent in professional football, even as the positive news on Bryant's condition offers a sigh of relief for the Broncos organization and its fans.
