Dolphins’ Grant DuBose Stretchered Off, Remains Hospitalized

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Grant DuBose remains hospitalized and in stable condition following a severe head injury sustained during Sunday’s 20-12 loss to the Houston Texans. DuBose will not immediately return to South Florida, as he remains in Houston for further evaluation.

Positive Updates on DuBose’s Condition

Head coach Mike McDaniel shared that there have been “positive responses” after imaging tests on DuBose’s head and neck, but the 23-year-old will stay overnight at Memorial Hermann Hospital for observation.

The injury occurred in the third quarter when Texans safety Calen Bullock delivered a helmet-to-helmet hit during a pass attempt by Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. DuBose remained motionless on the field for approximately 11 minutes while receiving medical attention.

The On-Field Scene

Medical staff removed DuBose’s facemask and helmet and cut away his jersey before placing him in a neck brace. He was then secured to a spinal board, strapped to a stretcher, and transported by ambulance.

As DuBose lay on the field, his Dolphins teammates formed a prayer circle, while head coaches Mike McDaniel and DeMeco Ryans of the Texans embraced in a moment of unity.

“When you see a guy down on the field like that, it’s tough to watch,” Ryans said. “We’re just praying he’s okay and recovers as soon as possible.”

Sunday marked DuBose’s first game back since suffering a shoulder injury in Week 2.

Reactions from Players and Coaches

Texans safety Calen Bullock, who was penalized for unnecessary roughness due to hitting a defenceless player, expressed his remorse after the game. “I pray he’s okay,” Bullock said. “I wasn’t trying to hurt anyone out there.”

Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who has experienced multiple concussions during his career, took responsibility for putting DuBose in harm’s way.

“I’m my own harshest critic when it comes to ball placement and decision-making,” Tagovailoa said. “I feel terrible for putting him in that situation to take such a hit. It’s hard to move forward after seeing that happen.”

Tagovailoa acknowledged receiving positive updates about DuBose’s condition but reflected on his own similar experiences. “I’ve been through something like that, and it’s no fun. You don’t want anyone to go through it. But this is a physical, collision sport, and I have to find ways to keep Grant out of those situations.”

Teammate Tyreek Hill reported that DuBose was “in good spirits” after the game, adding, “He’s moving, and that’s all that matters.” Hill described the scene as “scary,” saying, “Seeing one of your brothers down like that is terrifying. People don’t always understand the sacrifices we make to play this game.”

Moving Forward

Despite the emotional toll of the incident, the Dolphins managed to score their first touchdown after play resumed. However, the loss dropped Miami’s record to 6-8, putting further pressure on their playoff hopes.

McDaniel reflected on the challenge of continuing the game after such a frightening event. “I’m in the moment with the player, but when the game resumes, I have so many people relying on me to make sound decisions,” McDaniel said. “It’s not easy, but I know how many people are counting on me to do my job.”

Additional Injury Concerns

Sunday’s game also saw Dolphins receiver Jaylen Waddle leave in the first quarter with a knee injury. McDaniel described Waddle as “very frustrated” by the setback, noting that updates on his condition won’t be available until Monday.

For now, the Dolphins and their fans remain focused on the recovery of Grant DuBose, hoping for continued positive news in the coming days.