Hamilton Tiger-Cats’ players Luther Hakunavanhu and Taylor Powell, both of whom suffered apparent head injuries during Saturday night’s 47-22 loss to the Edmonton Elks, have been discharged from hospital.
Hakunavanhu caught a 15-yard pass over the middle on the first play from scrimmage and was tackled by a group of Edmonton defenders. He lost control of the football, which was recovered by the Elks, before falling to the ground and appearing unresponsive.
Medical staff rushed onto the field as Hakunavanhu lay motionless on the turf and players from both teams gathered around him. The 27-year-old native of Edmonton, Alta. was placed on a spineboard and carted off the field in an ambulance after a long delay.
“Thank you for all the messages and prayers. I’m OK!” Hakunavanhu has since posted to social media. “Thanks to all the medical staff on and off the field for all their work.”
Powell was knocked out of the game midway through the first quarter after taking off on a 17-yard run. He left the field under his own power to be evaluated for a concussion and later appeared visibly frustrated when he was escorted to the locker room. He was quietly taken by ambulance to hospital later in the half. Head coach Scott Milanovich said after the game that his condition was stable.
Hakunavanhu is in his first season with the Ticats after signing with the team this past off-season and has caught eight passes for 156 yards and four touchdowns. In 39 career games with Calgary and Hamilton, he has made 65 catches for 998 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Powell completed two-of-three pass attempts for 20 yards before leaving the game and was replaced by Bo Levi Mitchell and Harrison Frost. Mitchell threw for 294 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions, while Frost passed for 95 yards and one score.
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats (2-8) will visit the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (3-6) on Friday, Aug. 23.
Editor’s note: Hakunavanhu’s statement was edited for clarity.
