NC State Quarterback Grayson McCall Injured

In a concerning turn of events during the highly anticipated matchup between NC State and Wake Forest, quarterback Grayson McCall was carted off the field following a severe hit to the head after throwing an interception in the first quarter. The Wolfpack ultimately fell short in the contest, losing 34-30.

Immediate Medical Attention

After the incident, McCall was quickly transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation. Head coach Dave Doeren provided some glimmers of hope, stating that initial reports were positive. "He was ready to play, and he took a really vicious hit," Doeren remarked, reflecting on the brutal nature of football. "Sometimes it’s a very violent sport, and that was a big hit."

Previous Injury Concerns

Remarkably, this was McCall's first game back after missing two previous matches due to a concussion. Just last season, while playing with Coastal Carolina, he suffered a serious head injury that nearly ended his football career. After the game, Doeren confirmed that McCall had passed all necessary concussion protocols leading up to the game, which made his situation all the more alarming.

The Incident

The collision occurred just over five minutes into the game as McCall attempted a pass that unfortunately ended up in the hands of a Wake Forest defender. As he was hit by two defenders, his helmet flew off, and he crashed to the ground. Due to the severity of the situation, NC State players quickly called for medical assistance, as trainers responded by bringing out a stretcher, cutting off McCall's jersey, and fitting him with a neck brace. Some teammates were visibly shaken, walking off the field in tears.

Reassurance Amidst Chaos

The lengthy delay highlighted the seriousness of the situation. Despite the chaos, McCall managed to hold up two fingers to the crowd as he was taken into the tunnel, a gesture that offered a brief moment of reassurance. Notably, no penalties were assessed on the play.

CJ Bailey Steps Up

In McCall's absence, freshman quarterback CJ Bailey stepped up. He previously started in the last two games against Clemson and Northern Illinois and showed poise under pressure, completing 28 of 42 passes for 272 yards, along with two touchdowns and an interception.

Looking Ahead

As the NC State community waits for further updates on McCall's condition, the hope remains that he recovers swiftly, allowing him to return to the field. The terrifying nature of the sport serves as a reminder of the physical risks that athletes face week in and week out.