Close Call on the Field
A harrowing moment during Saturday night’s Southeastern Conference matchup between Vanderbilt and Kentucky left Commodores edge rusher Miles Capers injured and fans holding their breath. While attempting to tackle Wildcats running back Demie Sumo-Karngbaye in the second quarter, Capers became trapped under a pile of players and lay motionless on the turf.
Swift Response from Medical Staff
Vanderbilt medical personnel quickly sprang into action, rushing to Capers’ side as Kroger Field fell silent. Players from both teams knelt in prayer as a wooden board and stretcher were brought over. Capers was carefully stabilized and placed on the stretcher before being wheeled off the field.
Precautionary Measures Taken
As a precaution, Capers was transported to a hospital for imaging. However, the senior player was back on the sideline in the third quarter, dressed in sweats and a hoodie, much to the relief of his teammates and coaches. Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea revealed after the game that Capers had suffered a neck injury, but credited his medical staff for their caution and care.
A Show of Support
The incident sparked an outpouring of support from Commodores players, who surrounded Capers in a display of solidarity. Lea also expressed gratitude to Kentucky coach Mark Stoops and his staff for checking in on Capers’ well-being. Despite the scare, Capers appeared to be in good spirits, with Lea noting that he had a smile on his face.
A Key Player’s Return
Capers’ return to the sideline was a welcome sight, especially given his crucial role in Vanderbilt’s recent success. Just last week, he was named Southeastern Conference defensive lineman of the week for his performance in the Commodores’ historic 40-35 upset of top-ranked Alabama. With 22 stops and 4.5 tackles for loss, Capers is a key player in Vanderbilt’s defense. His three tackles in Saturday’s game helped secure the Commodores’ 20-13 victory over Kentucky, their second consecutive SEC win.
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