Packers' Williams carted off after hit by Barnett - 3 minutes read
GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Packers running back Jamaal Williams was taken off the field on a gurney after a hard hit during the first quarter of Thursday night's 34-27 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
The third-year pro was transported via ambulance to a local hospital, where he was being evaluated for head and neck injuries, ESPN's Michele Steele reported. The Packers announced that Williams had movement and feeling in all of his extremities.
Head coach Matt LaFleur said he didn't have further details on Williams' injury after the game.
On Friday Williams posted an update on his Instagram story.
An update from Jamaal Williams - and a word for Eagles CB Avonte Maddox, who like Williams was taken to a hospital last night during the Packers game. pic.twitter.com/6RiWN2OhOw
— Rob Demovsky () September 27, 2019
Williams was injured on the Packers' first play of the game, a screen pass, when he was met at the line of scrimmage by linebacker Nigel Bradham. With his forward momentum stopped, Williams took a big hit by Eagles defensive end Derek Barnett.
Barnett was penalized for unnecessary roughness on the play.
Williams raised his left arm and gave the thumbs-up sign as he was taken off the field by three members of the Packers' medical team.
"I wasn't trying to hurt anybody, because this is our livelihood," Barnett said. "I don't wish that part on nobody. I heard he's doing all right and he's good. I told him my apologies afterwards, and he knows this is a violent sport."
A suspension is not being considered for Barnett for his hit on Williams, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter. Barnett could be fined, but he likely was spared a suspension because at the last moment, he turned and hit Williams with his shoulder.
Williams, who started the game in the backfield alongside Aaron Jones, was listed on the injury report this week because of a neck injury, but he was a full participant in Wednesday's practice.
Jones capped the first drive with a 3-yard touchdown to give the Packers a 7-0 lead. That drive featured the Packers' longest offensive play of the season, a 58-yard pass from Aaron Rodgers to Davante Adams.
Adams, who had a career-high 180 yards on 10 catches, suffered a toe injury late in the fourth quarter and missed the Packers' final drive. He wasn't on the field for a critical fourth-and-goal play.
Adams conducted his postgame interview while holding his right shoe in his hand. He said he had a turf toe injury and that it was so painful, "I don't even want to try" to put the shoe on.
Packers right tackle Bryan Bulaga suffered a shoulder injury in the first half and remained out to open the third quarter. He was replaced by Alex Light.