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DENVER, COLORADO – DECEMBER 21: Montaric Brown #30 of the Jacksonville Jaguars hits Pat Bryant #13 of the Denver Broncos during the fourth quarter at Empower Field At Mile High on December 21, 2025 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
The Denver Broncos received best-case-scenario news Sunday night regarding rookie wide receiver Pat Bryant.
After a frightening hit late in the game, Bryant was immobilized and carted off the field.
His neck was stabilized, leaving teammates and fans anxiously awaiting an update.
After several tense hours of uncertainty, the news that followed brought widespread relief.
ESPN noted that Bryant was discharged from the hospital after suffering a concussion, but he avoided any serious or long-term injury.
Sources told ESPN that the rookie was cleared of neck and neurological injuries after undergoing testing.
Doctors diagnosed a concussion and nothing more.
9NEWS’ Mike Klis added that Bryant had movement in his hands and legs, an enormous relief after a moment that left both sidelines and the entire NFL community shaken.
“You never want to see somebody in that situation, and I feel responsible because I threw it,” Broncos quarterback Bo Nix said after the game.
“You can say it’s part of the game, but you just never want to see it. I really pray he’s OK.”
A Frightening Scene Late Against Jacksonville
Bryant’s injury occurred with just 41 seconds remaining in Denver’s 34-20 loss.
Nix delivered an 11-yard completion over the middle, where Bryant was met by Jaguars cornerback Montaric Brown.
The collision immediately stopped the game.
Bryant stayed down as trainers rushed onto the field, players from both teams took a knee, and his facemask was removed.
He was immobilized on a backboard, carted off the field, and later transported to a local hospital by ambulance.
Officials ruled the hit legal, with referee Shawn Hochuli explaining the contact was not to the head or neck area.
“Obviously very scary,” Broncos tackle Mike McGlinchey said afterward.
Courtland Sutton echoed that sentiment:
“You never want to see one of your brothers go down,” Sutton said.“He plays with great effort and great character. He’s a great dude.”
What Comes Next for Bryant and the Broncos
Now comes the recovery process.
Bryant will enter the NFL’s concussion protocol.
His future availability dependent on how quickly he progresses through the stages.
Head coach Sean Payton said after the game that Bryant had movement in all extremities, a crucial sign that he avoided a serious injury.
Given the circumstances, the Broncos will take a cautious approach, prioritizing Bryant’s health over any short-term availability.
Denver travels to face the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas night in four days, so it is almost certain that Bryant will miss that game.
But the main focus remains on Bryant’s long-term well-being.
It was a huge relief that he escaped with only a concussion and avoided any career-altering injury.
After one of the scariest moments of Denver’s season, we can all now take one big sigh of relief.
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