Lions' Saivion Smith Taken to Hospital After Collapsing Against Patriots

Detroit Lions defensive back Saivion Smith is being evaluated at a local hospital.

A scary scene occurred early in the game between the Detroit Lions and New England Patriots in Week 5. 

After replacing veteran DeShon Elliott, Saivion Smith earned his first start of the 2022 season at the safety position. 

Detroit's coaching staff decided to shake things up drastically in the secondary, as the performance against the Seattle Seahawks was quite alarming. 

In fact, the Lions' defense has struggled all season to limit the effectiveness of their opponents. 

Miscommunication, blown assignments and trust issues forced the coaching staff to make needed personnel changes in Week 5 against the Patriots. 

Unfortunately, Smith collapsed early in the game, on the opening New England drive offensively. 

Attempting to block tight end Hunter Henry, Smith collapsed, and fell awkwardly to the turf at Gillette Stadium. 

Medical staffs from both teams immediately came to Smith's aid, and he was eventually carted off the field in an ambulance. 

Crews waited and also allowed family members to ride along in the ambulance. Both teams came on to the field to offer support in solidarity, prior to Smith's departure to the hospital. 

According to the team, Saivion Smith was being taken to a local hospital to be evaluated for a possible neck injury.

Update

Smith was able to fly home with the team, following evaluation at a New England hospital. 

“He’s got full motor skills,” Dan Campbell said. “So we’re going to try to get him back on the plane so he can come home. That’s good news.”

“It’s hard to see your brother, teammate, that happen,”Jared Goff said. “But that does happen. Doesn’t change I don’t think the way we played."

#Lions CB Saivion Smith appeared to collapse during a play and is being taken away in an ambulance. Family members are on the field. 🙏
https://t.co/M3vW8SDvyO

— Sideline Daily (@sideline_daily) October 9, 2022

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