Terrifying Scene At Ford Field As Panthers OL Chandler Zavala Lies Completely Motionless On Turf

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The Detroit Lions quickly jumped out to a big lead against the Carolina Panthers at Ford Field on Sunday afternoon. They scored two touchdowns in the first quarter, one aided by an incredible Aidan Hutchinson interception. But attention quickly turned to Panthers rookie offensive guard Chandler Zavala.

Following Detroit's second score -- a touchdown pass from Jared Goff to tight end Sam LaPorta -- the Panthers took over after a touchback.

On the first play of the drive, Bryce Young handed to Chuba Hubbard for a 1-yard gain. But offensive guard Chandler Zavala went down and did not get up. He didn't even move for several minutes.

It's hard to see what happened, as Zavala goes to the ground.

Medical personnel attend to Chandler Zavala of the Carolina Panthers after he was injured in the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field.

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 08: Medical personnel attend to Chandler Zavala #62 of the Carolina Panthers after he was injured in the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on October 08, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)

Players for both teams came out onto the field and knelt down. Cameras showed concern on everyone's faces. Several players engaged in prayers for Zavala.

Medical personnel brought out a cart and strapped Zavala to a board before loading him onto the vehicle.

The good news is that Zavala was conscious on the cart and gave a "thumbs up" to the crowd.

A good reminder that football is a dangerous sport. Players put their bodies on the line every week. Thankfully, Zavala was conscious following the scary scene. His motionless body conjured images of Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin who suffered cardiac arrest last season.

That is not to say that Zavala suffered a similar event, or even that he lost consciousness -- we don't know that right now.

The Panthers announced that medical personnel took Zavala to the hospital for evaluation on a neck injury.

OutKick extends thoughts and prayers to Zavala and hopes for a speedy recovery.

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Dan began his sports media career at ESPN, where he survived for nearly a decade. Once the Stockholm Syndrome cleared, he made his way to Outkick. He is secure enough in his masculinity to admit he is a cat-enthusiast with three cats, one of which is named “Brady” because his wife wishes she were married to Tom instead of him.