On Sunday night, during the game between the New York Jets and the Pittsburgh Steelers, Jets player Xavier Newman suffered a neck injury that worried everyone.
After a brutal collision, Newman had to be taken off the field on a stretcher and sent to the hospital for more tests.
Of course, it was a scary moment for fans, teammates, and everyone watching.
So, what exactly happened, and how is Newman doing now? Let’s find out.
- Jets’ Xavier Newman suffered a neck injury during a game against the Steelers and was taken to the hospital.
- Newman had movement in his limbs and was conscious during transportation, a positive sign after a scary situation.
- With Newman and Alijah Vera-Tucker out, the Jets had to rely on third-string guard Jake Hanson.
What Happened on the Field?
It was a tough night for the New York Jets during their game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but the biggest scare came in the third quarter when offensive lineman Xavier Newman suffered a neck injury.
Newman had stepped in as a fill-in for starting right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker, who left with an ankle injury earlier in the game.
And disaster struck just when the Jets thought they couldn’t take another hit to their lineup.
With a little over seven minutes left in the third quarter, Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw an interception that Steelers rookie cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. picked up and ran with.
During the return, Newman collided with Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen, fell backward, and hit the ground hard.
It was the kind of moment where the entire stadium seemed to go silent.
To everyone’s horror, Newman stayed down on the field, not moving, as the Jets’ medical team rushed over.
Fans, teammates, and even the opposition held their breath for what felt like an eternity.
Thankfully, the NBC broadcast reported that he was conscious, had movement in his limbs, and could squeeze the hands of the athletic trainers—always a positive sign in a situation like this.
Medical Response and Hospitalization
After stabilizing his neck, the medical team put Newman on a spine board and carefully loaded him onto a stretcher.
He was carted off the field and taken straight to a nearby hospital in Pittsburgh.
It’s never a good sight when a player has to leave the field this way, but the initial signs gave hope.
Interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich also offered some much-needed relief in a post-game update.
He confirmed that Newman’s initial tests came back negative—meaning no major injuries—and that he would be able to travel back with the team.
It was a huge relief for everyone holding their breath during that tense scene on the field.
How the Jets Managed the Offensive Line After the Injury
Before his injury, Newman was filling in for Vera-Tucker, and it was his 18th NFL game appearance.
It’s been a long road, and Newman’s NFL journey hasn’t been smooth. He entered the league undrafted out of Baylor in 2022, initially joining the Tennessee Titans’ practice squad.
After a year in Tennessee, he signed with the Jets practice squad in 2023 and has been grinding ever since.
He’s mostly played on special teams this season but got his chance to help on the offensive line due to the Jets’ recent injury struggles.
But when Newman had to leave the game, the Jets had to turn to Jake Hanson, their third-string right guard.
Hanson suddenly found himself thrown into the fire, tasked with holding down the line for the rest of the game.
With Vera-Tucker and Newman out, the Jets were in a tight spot, with only rookie tackle Olu Fashanu left as a backup.
If the line had sustained more injuries, the Jets would have been scrambling even more to protect their quarterback and keep their offense moving.
Focus on Recovery and the Jets’ Plan
So, what happens now?
For Xavier Newman, the focus is squarely on recovery.
Neck injuries are always taken seriously in the NFL, and the Jets will be careful not to rush him back before he’s truly ready.
It’s unclear when he’ll be able to return to the field, but the fact that he could travel back with the team is a promising sign.
The Jets, meanwhile, have to figure out how to keep their offensive line intact.
With Vera-Tucker already out and Newman recovering, the pressure falls on the remaining linemen, such as Jake Hanson and Olu Fashanu.
It’s a tough spot to be in, especially with a demanding schedule ahead.
Newman’s injury caused a real scare, but the team will hope that the worst is behind them and that they can focus on regrouping and getting their key players back on the field.
A Frightening Moment with a Hopeful Outcome
Injuries like the one Xavier Newman suffered can be a reminder of just how dangerous football can be.
Seeing a player go down and not move is every fan’s and teammate’s worst nightmare.
But thankfully, Newman seems to be on the road to recovery.
While he may need some time to heal up, his condition turned out better than expected, and he’s already back with his team.
The Jets have much to sort out on the field, but at least they can breathe a little easier knowing that Newman is okay.
And for fans, it’s a reminder to appreciate those tough moments on the field and hope for the best when things go sideways.
Here’s hoping we’ll see Xavier Newman back on the field sooner rather than later.
