(FOX 2) - The Detroit Lions and their fans are waiting for an update on their team captain after an injury hospitalized Jack Campbell.
The linebacker was carted off the field with an apparent neck injury. He was last reported to be recovering in the hospital.
The Lions will hold a press conference at 3 p.m. with an update on Campbell's status. FOX 2 will stream the update live.
Former Lions doctor on Campbell injury
Doctor Solomon Cogan is the founder of The Nerve & Disc Institute and is a current member of the Detroit Tigers' medical staff.
Before joining the Tigers, he was on the Lions' medical staff for 14 years. He joined FOX 2 to talk about what he saw on Sunday.
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Dr. Solomon Cogan talks about Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell
Dr. Solomon Cogan, a former team doctor for the Lions, talks about the type of injury that Jack Campbell suffered. Cogan is not treating Campbell, but works with those types of injuries often.
What they're saying:
Cogan's primary concern is the potential for an injury to the brain or spinal cord.
In the immediate aftermath of the play where Campbell was injured, trainers assessed his health without moving him.
"If you move him immediately, that can make a smaller problem catastrophic," Cogan said.
In situations where the player is unconscious, doctors will treat the situation as a potential cervical=spine injury. The greatest concern is that any paralysis could be permanent.
Depending on the severity of the injury, treatment options can vary widely.
Cogan added the shape of the neck is designed to absorb blows like the one that Campbell suffered.
"The neck has a natural c-shaped curve and that's by design. It's really to be a shock absorber," he said.
The anatomy of one's nervous and skeletal system is why the NFL made spearing illegal. "When the neck is bent forward or straight, you get an axial compression to the spine and at much more risk of severe injuries," Cogan added.
But when a player's neck is up, it has more places to bend during an impact.
Cogan referenced Jayden Reed's injury earlier in the season when his head was dropped down during the impact, causing a severe injury. Campbell's head was more "neutral" during the play, which could point toward a better outcome. However, it's still not without risk.
Jack Campbell's injury
The backstory:
Campbell was injured early in the fourth quarter of Detroit's game against the Minnesota Vikings when he suffered a neck injury.
He was hospitalized after being carted off the field where he remained overnight into Monday.
Lions All-Pro LB Jack Campbell carted off field after a tackle against Vikings
Lions All-Pro linebacker Jack Campbell was carted off the field early in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings.
The Lions head coach did not have an update on his status following the end of their divisional game. Hours afterward, the team said Campbell would remain at a local hospital for continued evaluation.
The Source: The Detroit Lions and previous reporting were cited for this story.