MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Miami Dolphins wide receiver Grant DuBose is still hospitalized but is exhibiting movement in all four limbs after experiencing a concerning helmet-to-helmet collision during Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans.
In a Monday morning update, the Dolphins announced that DuBose remained in a local Houston hospital for overnight monitoring. Initial examinations showed “positive results” following the incident on the field.
Head coach Mike McDaniel expressed his anticipation to see him again when medical professionals consider it suitable for him to travel.
During the third quarter, DuBose was attempting to make a catch when he was struck in the head by safety Calen Bullock and subsequently collided forcefully with the ground. Following the impact, he displayed physical reactions indicative of the “fencing response,” a reflex often associated with traumatic brain injuries, before becoming motionless while medical teams quickly assisted him.
Emergency medical personnel evaluated DuBose for over ten minutes on the field. His jersey was removed, and a neck brace was applied as both teams’ players knelt in concern around him.
Eventually, he was placed onto a spine board where he was immobilized and transported off the field. He was seen with a tube in his mouth and displayed no visible movement as he was taken away for further care, later reported to be in stable condition.
“It’s truly unfortunate,” said Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, reflecting on the traumatic event. Tagovailoa, who has previously experienced multiple concussions in his career, including a serious incident that required a stretcher in Cincinnati in 2022, conveyed the emotional weight of witnessing such an injury.
“I can be really hard on myself regarding my performance, especially knowing what could lead to a situation like that happening,” he admitted, explaining his concern for DuBose.
This match marked DuBose’s return to play after being sidelined since Week 2 due to a shoulder injury. During the tense moments while he received medical attention, the Dolphins formed a circle around him to kneel and pray.
“It’s one of those moments where the team really comes together,” McDaniel noted. “We needed each other in the face of this situation. We also thought of Grant — the type of person he is and what he would want from us at that moment. There’s no definitive way to handle it, truthfully.”
Cornerback Kader Kohou shared his relief upon receiving positive news about DuBose’s health on Monday, saying that the team was initially concerned for both his wellbeing and that of his family.
“In situations like these, the focus shifts away from the game itself, and all we can do is pray for his recovery,” Kohou remarked. “We knew his family was watching from home, and our thoughts were with them throughout.”