GREEN BAY, Wis. — During a recent game against the Houston Texans, Green Bay Packers linebacker Quay Walker had to leave the field after an accidental collision with a teammate. This occurred when another player’s leg struck Walker in the head while he was on the ground following a play.

Walker exited the game immediately for evaluation concerning a potential concussion. The team later confirmed that he would not be returning to participate in the rest of the match.

The incident took place early in the second quarter after a 1-yard pass from Houston quarterback C.J. Stroud to receiver Stefon Diggs. After making the tackle, Walker was lying face down on the field. As defensive end Kingsley Enagbare approached the area, his leg inadvertently collided with Walker’s helmet.

Play was halted as medical staff tended to Walker, who eventually managed to walk off the field under his own strength to the sideline, where he entered the injury tent for further assessment.

Walker, drafted in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft from the University of Georgia, had entered the contest leading his team with a total of 51 tackles for the season.

This unforeseen incident adds to the ongoing concerns about player safety in the league and the protocols surrounding head injuries. The Packers hope for a speedy recovery for Walker.