2 min read • December 19, 2021
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Elijah Riley, the Jets free safety, appeared to suffer a serious head injury in the third quarter against the Dolphins. By video, Riley was attempting to make a tackle when he was hit in the head by a fellow defender.
Riley was carted off after being placed on a backboard and was ruled out with a neck injury. Our worry initially was for a concussion and we hope his neck is structurally fine.
He will likely be taken to a local hospital and undergo an MRI to check for any potential neck/spine issues. Riley had movement of his extremities as he was leaving the field, suggesting that he is not dealing with any nerve issues.
Sharrod Neasman will take over at free safety.
Update
After the game, head coach Robert Salah said Riley will travel home with the team and his neck injury checked all the boxes. That is certainly reassuring news, but it remains to be seen if he will be available to play next week.
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