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Panthers’ Kirkwood removed by ambulance after taking hit

By WJBD Staff Aug 4, 2021 | 6:30 AM

UNDATED (AP) — Carolina Panthers wide receiver Keith Kirkwood was hit in the neck area during practice Tuesday, carted off the field and taken away by ambulance. The player who struck him was kicked out of practice and waived.

The team says Kirkwood sustained a concussion, was released from the hospital and is back with the team.

In other news from NFL camps:

— Jets offensive lineman Cameron Clark has a bruised spinal cord and is expected to make a full recovery after he was hospitalized Tuesday with a neck injury. Clark was put on what appeared to be a spinal board and then carted to an ambulance waiting on the side of the field. Coach Robert Saleh immediately called off practice.

— Colts All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson is expected to miss five to 12 weeks after having surgery on his injured foot. Coach Frank Reich says it’s the same injury that will sideline new starting quarterback Carson Wentz. Nelson has never missed a game in his three-year career.

— Deshaun Watson missed practice for the first time since Texans’ camp began, but coach David Culley refused to explain why. Watson’s future is uncertain after he asked for a trade in January before 22 women filed lawsuits alleging that he sexually assaulted or harassed them in March.

— Browns starting middle linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. will not need surgery, but is expected to miss an extended period with a right knee injury sustained on a noncontact play in training camp Monday. Walker started 48 games over the past four seasons for the Indianapolis Colts before signing a one-year, $3 million deal with the Browns in March.

— The Vikings have passed Washington as the lowest vaccinated team in the league. According to a person with knowledge of the NFL data, 70% of Minnesota’s roster has received at least one dose and 64.5% are fully vaccinated. The low number has drawn the ire of coach Mike Zimmer as the Vikes continue to practice without Kirk Cousins and two other quarterbacks due to COVID-19 protocols.