CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Umpire Carl Paganelli had to be taken off the field on a cart just a mere 45 seconds into the matchup between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Carolina Panthers on Sunday.

Following the Panthers’ quick three-and-out, Paganelli, who has been an official since 1999, collided with a Tampa Bay player while attempting to retrieve a ball being thrown in from the sidelines for a spot. He fell to the ground immediately and did not rise, showing signs of discomfort as he clutched his lower leg.

As a consequence of his injury, there were only six officials officiating the game rather than the usual seven.