During a practice session on Monday, Damarcus Thomas, a tight end for Ole Miss, sustained a severe injury that required him to be airlifted to a hospital. Reports indicated that he had lost all feeling in his lower body.
Initially unresponsive after the injury, Thomas has since regained movement in his extremities. According to a statement released by Ole Miss, doctors have shown optimism about his progress.
“Following the injury during today’s practice, Damarcus was transported by ambulance to Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oxford and later airlifted to Memphis Regional Medical Center,” stated Pat Jernigan, Ole Miss Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Medicine. “Updates so far have been positive. He has regained movement in all limbs, and the medical team is hopeful.”
The head coach of Ole Miss, Lane Kiffin, relayed the news of Thomas’ injury during a media session on Monday.
“Hopefully, this turns out to be a severe stinger,” Kiffin remarked, as reported by the Clarion Ledger. He expressed his hope that it could be a less serious injury. Kiffin shared the concern he felt, especially as a parent, witnessing Thomas’ lack of sensation.
Running back Jerrion Ealy commented on the incident, saying, “It was just a normal football play. A freak accident. We’re praying for DJ (DaMarcus Thomas). Hopefully, he has a speedy recovery. We’re just all praying for him, and we really hope to have him back soon… We didn’t really know what happened or what’s happening right now. We’re all just in shock, you know. I can’t really say too much about it… just shock. Just one of those freak accidents that happen on the football field that you only hear about, you just never really see. It’s kind of just eye-opening.”
