Miami Dolphins wide receiver Grant DuBose suffered a frightening head injury on Sunday during a game against the Houston Texans. DuBose took a direct blow to the head and was immobilized on the field before being stretchered off, reported by Fox News. The Dolphins later confirmed that he was in stable condition and transported to a Houston hospital for further evaluation.
The incident occurred in the third quarter as the Texans led 20-6 in their eventual 20-12 victory. Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa targeted DuBose with a pass over the middle on a second-and-9 play. Texans safety Calen Bullock made direct contact with DuBose’s head, lowering his helmet just as the ball arrived. DuBose immediately went limp and remained motionless on the turf, prompting concern from players, staff, and fans.
Dolphins teammates surrounded DuBose as medical personnel rushed onto the field. The staff carefully cut off his jersey and removed his helmet to provide treatment. They immobilized his neck with a brace and strapped his arms to a backboard before wheeling him off on a stretcher with an oxygen tube in his nose. From the CBS broadcast, DuBose showed no visible movement as he was carted away.
Following the game, Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel provided a cautiously optimistic update. According to ESPN, McDaniel shared that there had been “positive feedback” from initial imaging of DuBose’s head and neck. However, the 23-year-old receiver remained in Houston overnight for additional evaluation and care.
Texans safety Calen Bullock, who delivered the hit, received an unnecessary roughness penalty. After the game, Bullock addressed the situation with reporters and expressed remorse.
“My intention was never to go out there and hurt nobody,” Bullock said. “That’s none of our intention. Prayer to him and his family. I hope he’s good. I was just seeing the ball and breaking on it. It just happened to be one of those types of plays.”
The injury comes during DuBose’s first season with the Dolphins. Originally drafted in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers, DuBose spent his rookie year on the practice squad. The Dolphins claimed him off waivers in August, and Sunday’s game marked his third appearance with Miami this season. Prior to the injury, DuBose had one catch for 13 yards on the year and another reception earlier in the game.
Fans, teammates, and opponents alike are hoping for a swift recovery for the young receiver as he continues to receive care in Houston.