Cardinals’ Travis Vokolek Carted Off with Neck Injury During Colts Game

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Arizona Cardinals tight end Travis Vokolek was carted off the field Sunday after suffering a neck injury during the first quarter of his team’s Week 6 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts.

The injury happened on the Cardinals’ opening kickoff return when Vokolek attempted to block Colts linebacker Segun Olubi. He remained motionless on the field, prompting immediate medical attention from trainers as players from both teams gathered around him.

According to CBS Sports, Vokolek was alert and managed to move all of his extremities. Medical staff placed him onto a stretcher and wheeled him off, where he gave a thumbs-up, indicating he was stable.

While initial reports suggest Vokolek will undergo further testing, the Cardinals are hopeful that he did not suffer a season-ending injury. This season marks his second with the team, having appeared in four games and started two without recording a catch.

Arizona faces additional challenges this week. Starting quarterback Kyler Murray has already been ruled out due to a foot injury, leaving Jacoby Brissett to take the reins. The Colts enter the game with a strong 4-1 record this season, making the matchup particularly daunting for the Cardinals.

Compounding Arizona’s tight end woes, Tip Reiman is also sidelined, leaving Vokolek’s absence to create a significant gap. Head coach Jonathan Gannon acknowledged the impact of losing Vokolek, stating, “That’s a big loss but you have to overcome it.” He expressed full confidence in tight ends Trey McBride and Elijah Higgins stepping up.

The Cardinals, having struggled to establish their rushing attack this season, currently ride a three-game losing streak after starting the year 2-0. “We need to correct our mistakes and respond,” Gannon said. “We’ve faced adversity, but I believe in the character of our locker room.”