Patriots quarterback Mac Jones indicated the team received an encouraging update on injured cornerback Isaiah Bolden after he was immobilized and carted off late in Saturday’s preseason game at Green Bay.
“Definitely one of my brothers, but sounds like he’s doing a lot better from what they’re telling us,” Jones said. “So, that’s awesome.”
Bolden was injured upon colliding with teammate Calvin Munson in the fourth quarter. He remained on the ground for several minutes and was eventually taken away on a stretcher. The Patriots released an update on Bolden’s status roughly a half-hour later.
“He had feeling in all his extremities, but has been taken to a local hospital for further tests and observation,” the statement finished.
While Bolden was being attended to, Patriots captain Matthew Slater led players in an on-field prayer. Slater later spoke with coach Bill Belichick and Packers coach Matt LaFleur. Together, with the support of player leadership, the coaches decided to call the game at 10:29 remaining.
Referee John Hussey then announced to the crowd: “At the agreement of both head coaches and team leadership, we have elected to suspend play for the evening. The game is officially over.”
After the game, Belichick and Jones separately credited Slater for his leadership. Slater, 37, is the Patriots’ longest-tenured player and captain. He addressed the team inside the locker room in an effort to unite them.
“(Slater) tries to bring us together,” Jones said. “And it’s all real emotion.”
In his own press conference, Slater spoke about the team’s mindset in the aftermath of Bolden’s injury.
“Our primary concern is Isaiah, his well-being, and our whole team is praying for him,” Slater said. “Just hoping that things aren’t as serious as they seem.”
Bolden joined the Patriots as a seventh-round draft pick out of Jackson State this past spring. The 6-foot-2, 205-pounder has been working to make the team as an outside cornerback and kick returner. Bolden recorded three tackles Saturday night before his injury.
Slater said of the rookie: “He’s been a joy to be around. He’s a young man with a lot of talent. (He) always has a smile on his face, is always positive, is always bringing great energy and effort to practice. … All the guys love him. He’s fit into our locker room seamlessly.”
The Patriots will now turn their attention to upcoming joint practices and a preseason game Friday at Tennessee. Jones, who knew Bolden dating back to their high school days, said the team will try to stay positive as they await further updates on his health.
“Just trying to plug along as best we can,” Jones said. “But (it’s) definitely tough.”
In the locker room, Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne reportedly told reporters in Green Bay: “(Bolden) was responding, moving pretty well. They said he was hurting in his neck.”