Tarleton State receiver Jaden Smith discharged from hospital after scary injury at Texas Tech

Updated Sep. 17, 2023 2:54 p.m. ET

Associated Press

LUBBOCK, Texas (AP) — Tarleton State said receiver Jaden Smith was discharged from the hospital and back home Sunday, a day after a scary scene in which he was taken off the field mobilized on a stretcher.

“We have great news to share! Jaden Smith was discharged from the hospital overnight and has returned to Stephenville with members of our athletic training staff! Thank you Texan Nation and Red Raider fans for your prayers and well wishes,” the school posted on social media Sunday.

Smith was hurt in the fourth quarter of the Texans' 41-3 loss at Texas Tech on Saturday night. He was down near the goal line for several minutes after a play while being treated by trainers from both teams. He was stabilized on a stretcher before being put on a motorized cart.

The FCS school said afterward that Smith was transported to the hospital for further evaluation but had full neurological function. Smith gave a thumbs-up with both hands as the cart was driving off the field.

“He was moving everything out there. He was talking to us. So the initial reports on the field were good,” Texans coach Todd Whitten said after the game.

Whitten said Smith was taken to the hospital “to make certain everything’s OK."

Smith finished with four catches for 62 yards in the 41-3 loss. That included an incredible diving one-handed catch for a 33-yard gain in the fourth quarter.

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