Bears’ Douglas Coleman III stretchered off after tackle vs. Chiefs

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — In a concerning incident during the preseason game on Thursday night, Bears cornerback Douglas Coleman III was taken from Arrowhead Stadium on a stretcher after a tackle on the Chiefs’ Cornell Powell. This occurred just moments into the second half of the match.

As Coleman attempted to make the tackle near the Chiefs sideline, his neck twisted awkwardly, causing him to fall to the ground and lay motionless. Immediate attention from trainers from both teams was swift, and doctors were called to assess his condition as a medical cart arrived on the scene.

Bears head coach Matt Eberflus approached the situation and reportedly saw Coleman moving his limbs, which provided a sense of relief. Medical personnel carefully removed his facemask and secured him to a backboard before transporting him on a cart towards the stadium’s exit.

“When I was on the field, over there on the Chiefs sideline, he was moving his limbs and gave us a thumbs-up,” Eberflus stated. “So that was good to see. I don’t have any more updates. He’s at the hospital right now being evaluated.”

Despite the injury scare, the Bears managed to secure a 34-21 victory in their preseason finale. The team’s focus will undoubtedly be on Coleman’s health in the following days.

Coleman is a Texas Tech alumni, where he played alongside notable athletes, including quarterback Patrick Mahomes during his college years. Coleman began his career as a freshman in 2016 when Mahomes was poised to enter the NFL draft as a first-round pick. By his senior year, Coleman transitioned to safety and earned recognition as an All-Big 12 selection.

Although he went undrafted in 2020, Coleman signed as a free agent with the Denver Broncos and spent a short time on their practice squad. Over the past three years, he showcased his talent in the Canadian Football League with the Ottawa Redblacks. There, he demonstrated versatility, switching between safety and linebacker roles, and in the previous season, he made a significant impact with 60 tackles, four sacks, three interceptions, and impressive returns for both interception and fumbles.

The Bears organization and fans alike are now anxiously awaiting further updates on his condition, hoping for a positive outcome as Coleman begins his recovery. Injuries in contact sports like football always spark discussions about safety protocols and the mitigation of risks, emphasizing the physical nature of the game and the importance of player well-being.

As the Bears move forward after their preseason success, the focus will also remain on Coleman’s rehabilitation process. The team’s depth and strategy may be put to the test depending on how serious the injury is, and whether Coleman will be able to join his teammates for the upcoming regular season.

Through all the challenges and pressures of professional football, the emphasis on player health and safety has never been more crucial. With each game, the support systems from coaches, medical teams, and fellow players play a vital role in ensuring athletes like Coleman can perform at their best while also being cared for during such critical moments.