Buffalo Bills running back Damien Harris fully mobile after on-field neck injury, coach says

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Buffalo Bills coach Sean McDermott expressed relief saying early tests indicate Damien Harris is moving in a positive direction after a neck injury left the running back to be taken by ambulance to the hospital on Sunday evening.

“My understanding is he’s fully in motion,” McDermott said after a 14-9 win over the New York Giants. “Luckily it seems to be moving in the right direction, with the reports we’re getting. So I’m very grateful to God for that.

McDermott also said quarterback Josh Allen was examined for a throwing shoulder injury, with tests revealing no damage.

Harris gave a thumbs up with his left hand as he was loaded into the ambulance after being injured in the second quarter. He lay on his back on the turf for several minutes after being tackled by linebacker Bobby Okereke on a 1-yard gain over the middle to convert a third-and-1 situation.

Harris’ helmet appeared to hit Okereke directly in the left shoulder. The game was delayed about five minutes as players from both teams gathered around the field.

Bills coaches and medical staff rushed from the sidelines to tend to Harris in front of a silent, sold-out crowd at Highmark Stadium. Bills players watched with worried looks on their faces with lingering memories of Buffalo safety Damar Hamlin’s near-death experience in January after making what appeared to be a routine tackle.

Hamlin, however, required CPR to be revived on the field after suffering cardiac arrest during the first quarter of a game in Cincinnati on January 2. Harris did not require CPR and was loaded onto a board and restrained.

A cheer went up as Harris gave a thumbs up before being loaded into the ambulance.

Harris, 26, is a fifth-year player who spent his first four seasons with New England before signing with the Bills in free agency this offseason.

___

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl