All-Pro Jack Campbell carted off field, rushed to hospital after scary neck injury

Detroit Lions All-Pro linebacker Jack Campbell was rushed to a local hospital for neck evaluation after a terrifying injury during Sunday's win against the Minnesota Vikings, according to the New York Post ^[1]. The scare unfolded early in the fourth quarter when Campbell was struck by Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson during a tackle. ESPN reported that Campbell was face down on the turf and not moving before medical personnel intervened ^[2].

The scene on the field was emotional, with Campbell surrounded by teammates and coaches as he was carefully strapped to a backboard. The Lions medical staff loaded him onto a cart to loud cheers and applause from the home crowd. Lions head coach Dan Campbell told reporters that the team had no new information but was thinking of Campbell and his family. The coach confirmed the player was being taken care of at a hospital in Detroit.

Campbell, selected 18th overall by Detroit in the 2023 draft, had made his third tackle of the game at the time of the incident. He was in his fourth NFL season and coming off a 2025 campaign where he earned All-Pro honors. ESPN noted that last season, he became the first player in seven years to record over 150 tackles, five sacks, and three forced fumbles. The Lions signed him to a four-year extension last May, keeping him under contract through the 2030 season.

The injury was part of a rough night for Detroit's defense. The New York Post stated that pass rusher DJ Wonnum and safety Brian Branch also suffered injuries during the game. Branch and Wonnum were reportedly dealing with concussions earlier in the contest, according to ESPN. Despite the defensive setbacks, the Lions secured their fifth win of the season. The victory marked the first loss for the Vikings in 2026.