Douglas Coleman III was carried off the field on a stretcher during the Bears’ preseason finale against the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday night at Arrowhead Stadium.
The injury occurred when Coleman attempted to tackle Chiefs wide receiver Cornell Powell early in the third quarter, leaving the Bears defender lying on the field motionless for several minutes.
The seriousness of the situation was quickly understood by both teams as Bears medical staff treated Coleman while players from both teams took a knee on the field.
Coleman was carried off the field on a stretcher and placed on a cart to cheers from Chiefs fans in the stadium.
After the match, Matt Eberflus told reporters: Coleman has regained movement in his limbs and remains in hospital, but did not provide further information.
He signed a future contract with Chicago in January and hoped to continue the roast after training camp ended.
Coleman has spent the past two seasons playing for the Ottawa Redblacks of the Canadian Football League, where he had an impressive season last year with 60 tackles, four sacks and three interceptions.
He also scored two touchdowns during the 2023 CFL season.
Coleman recorded two tackles in last week’s preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
The 26-year-old played his college football at Texas Tech University and initially signed with the Broncos as an undrafted free agent.
Coleman was one of several injuries the Bears suffered Thursday night in Kansas City.
Offensive tackle Larry Borom was carried off the field on a stretcher after injuring his left leg during Chicago’s second drive, and wide receiver Nsimba Webster also had to be carried off the field on a stretcher in the game’s second quarter.
The Bears open the season on September 8th against the Titans.
