Hamilton Tiger-Cats receiver Luther Hakunavanhu was carried off the field on a stretcher and left in an ambulance after taking a hard hit on the first play from scrimmage in Saturday’s game against the Edmonton Elks.
The team later said Hakunavanhu suffered a head injury and was conscious as he left the field with full movement in his extremities. He was being transported to hospital for further evaluation.
The Elks recovered Hakunavanhu’s fumble after he caught a pass from Taylor Powell and then was tackled. His head spun awkwardly as he was hit by a couple of Elks.
There was a lengthy break as medics attended to the Canadian receiver, who did move his hands and fingers as he left the field.
Players on both teams and the crowd applauded as he exited the field.
Elks linebacker Nyles Morgan, one of the players to make the hit, looked visibly upset as he walked across the field as medics attended to Hakunavanhu.
The game was then delayed for about 20 minutes before the players returned to the field.
Born in Zimbabwe and raised in Edmonton, Hakunavanhu, 27, attended York University in Toronto before being selected in the fifth round of the 2021 CFL Draft by the Calgary Stampeders.
Hakunavanhu signed with the Ticats prior to this season. He has eight catches and four touchdowns this year.
During a recent game between the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and the Toronto Argonauts, wide receiver Luther Hakunavanhu suffered a serious injury that required him to be removed from the field on a stretcher. The incident occurred in the second quarter of the game when Hakunavanhu went up for a catch and landed awkwardly on his back.
Medical staff immediately rushed to Hakunavanhu’s side and assessed the situation. It was clear that he was in a significant amount of pain and unable to move. As a precautionary measure, the decision was made to immobilize him and transport him off the field on a stretcher.
The exact nature of Hakunavanhu’s injury has not been disclosed, but it is clear that it is serious enough to warrant further evaluation and treatment. The team has stated that they will provide updates on his condition as more information becomes available.
Injuries are an unfortunate reality in professional sports, and the risk of getting hurt is always present, especially in a high-impact sport like football. The Tiger-Cats organization will no doubt be doing everything in their power to support Hakunavanhu during this difficult time and ensure that he receives the best possible care.
Fans and teammates alike are sending their thoughts and prayers to Hakunavanhu as he begins his recovery process. Injuries can be physically and emotionally challenging for athletes, but with the support of his loved ones and the Tiger-Cats community, Hakunavanhu will hopefully make a full and speedy recovery.
In the meantime, the team will have to adjust to playing without one of their key players. Hakunavanhu’s absence will undoubtedly be felt on the field, but the Tiger-Cats are a resilient team and will no doubt rally together to continue their pursuit of victory in his honor.
As fans, we can only hope for the best for Hakunavanhu and look forward to seeing him back on the field where he belongs. Injuries are a part of the game, but with determination and perseverance, athletes like Hakunavanhu can overcome any obstacle in their path.