NFL

Damien Harris ‘is going to be fine’ after scary neck injury vs. Giants

Damien Harris’ recovery is headed in the right direction.

The Bills running back has been released from a Buffalo-area hospital.

Harris is experiencing neck pain, “but otherwise is going to be fine,” a source told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler on Monday.

Harris suffered a neck injury Sunday night against the Giants.

He was driven off the field in an ambulance and transported to the hospital shortly after being assessed by training staff.

After Buffalo’s narrow win over the Giants, Bills head coach Sean McDermott said to his knowledge Harris has full movement in his body and that his scans were good so far.

“So, things are heading in a good direction right now for Damien,” McDermott said.

Damien Harris is attended to by medical staff after taking a hard hit against the New York Giants.
AP

Harris’ injury came in the second quarter as he was running with the football on third-and-1 from Buffalo’s 34-yard-line.

His neck hit into the back of Bills right guard O’Cyrus Torrence and into the arms of Giants linebacker Bobby Okereke while being tackled.

Harris laid flat on his back on the field while coaches, training staff and medical personnel tried to keep him steady.

The Bills sideline gathered around Harris to offer support and well wishes to their teammate.
Getty Images
Harris was lifted into ambulance still wearing helmet and uniform after sustaining a neck injury.
USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

As audiences watched unsure of running back’s status, Harris gave a thumbs-up sign with his left hand from the stretcher as he was loaded into the ambulance.

Harris was joined by the entire Bills sideline, offering support and prayers.

Among those on the sideline was Damar Hamlin, who was also taken off in an ambulance after suffering cardiac arrest in January.

Harris signed a 1-year contract with the Bills in March 2023.
Gary McCullough/AP

Hamlin was emotional on the bench while the scary scene unfolded.

After less than a year since Hamlin’s medical emergency, left tackle Dion Dawkins later shared that he made sure Harris was breathing but had to then take steps away as Harris received care.

The Bills (4-2) went on to hold off the Giants (1-5) with a 14-9 win.