A North Mesquite football player is recovering at home after he was airlifted to a Dallas hospital for a sprained neck and pinched nerve Thursday night.
The player, a sophomore, was injured during a routine tackle in Thursday's game between North Mesquite and Mesquite high schools.
Fans watching the commotion from the stands feared the worst. But officials said the student had movement the entire time he was on the ground.
After an evaluation, emergency crews decided to fly him to Baylor Medical Center in Dallas.
"His left hand was a little weaker than his right hand, and I think because of the severe pain in the shoulder radiating through the arm, they thought it was prudent to go ahead and transport him," said Steve Bragg, school district athletic director.
The student was released from the hospital Friday morning. The district said he was resting at home and is expected back at school Monday.
Bragg said the school district would put more emphasis on safety techniques with all of its athletes.
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"We're trying to teach as good of a technique as we possibly can, proper technique ... in all sports so we can minimize the risk associated with playing contact sports," he said.
