The Week 13 battle between the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks had a scary start. Running back Trenton Cannon went down after a vicious hit while returning the opening kickoff. Injuries during football aren't uncommon. However, seeing a player taken off the field via an ambulance is very concerning.
Somber scene as #49ers Trenton Cannon taken off field by ambulance pic.twitter.com/vw43IjMRHf
— Cam Inman (@CamInman) December 5, 2021
Cannon was transported to a local hospital to be evaluated for what was initially reported to be a serious concussion. He will remain there overnight for further observation, per an in-game update from the 49ers. Head coach Kyle Shanahan repeated the update during his post-game press conference while adding optimistic news about his player.
"Concussions are very concerning, but all the stuff that you're really worried about, he's cleared," Shanahan shared. "He remembers it all. So, just [a] concussion. They'll keep him overnight for that."
One reporter asked defensive tackle D.J. Jones how difficult it was to take the field after seeing one of his teammates taken away by ambulance.
"To be honest, it's pretty tough," Jones responded, per Kirk Larrabee. "But for me, it was a motivating factor. To see him laying there, nearly lifeless, motivated me, and I just wanted to dominate the game for him."
Jones added that he was relieved to hear that the injury was not as severe as it could have been, saying, "They told us he's good, so God is good."
Tackle Trent Williams was among the many concerned players on the field as Cannon was placed onto a stretcher and into the ambulance.
"It's tough," Williams said after the game, per Larrabee. "Anytime you see one of yours get carried out on a stretcher, I think everybody kind of looks at that, and it messes with everybody. I'd be lying to sit here and say it don't, especially when you see an injury like that and you see somebody leave in an ambulance on a stretcher. It's pretty tough to deal with, especially how close-knit this locker room is."
Even tougher than seeing one of your teammates and friends in that situation is knowing that you still have to play an entire football game following a development like that.
"It's football. It happens," Williams continued. "We're praying for Trent. We heard that everything is pretty good with him, so just continue to pray for him, and we'll welcome him back as soon as he comes back to San Fran. But like you said, it's tough to start a game off that way, but we're professionals. You've got to fight through that type of stuff."
Shanahan is scheduled to speak with reporters tomorrow afternoon. He'll likely provide an update on Cannon's health status then.