Ticats-Elks game delayed following serious injury to Canadian receiver Luther Hakunavanhu

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Edmonton Elks’ Week 11 clash was delayed nearly 20 minutes following a devastating injury to Canadian receiver Luther Hakunavanhu on the first play from scrimmage.

The 27-year-old caught a 15-yard pass over the middle from quarterback Taylor Powell and was tackled by a group of Elks’ defenders. Linebacker Nyles Morgan appeared to catch the receiver up around the head and neck area with his arm, causing him to go limp and get twisted in the tackle. He lost control of the football, which was recovered by Edmonton, before falling to the ground.

Medical staff were rushed onto the field as Hakunavanhu lay motionless on the turf and players from both teams gathered around him. The native of Edmonton, Alta. was placed on a spineboard and carted off the field in an ambulance after a long delay.

The Ticats later reported that he was fully conscious while transported to the hospital and had full movement of his extremities. Head coach Scott Milanovich said after the game that he was in stable condition.

Players were directed to return to the locker room after Hakunavanhu left the field, as the game could not continue until a second ambulance arrived. An ambulance was later needed to take Powell to the hospital for precautionary reasons, though that did not delay play.

Hakunavanhu is in his first season with the Ticats, catching eight passes for 156 yards and four touchdowns through seven games. In 39 career games with Calgary and Hamilton, he has recorded 65 receptions for 998 yards and 12 touchdowns.

The Ticats (2-8) will next visit the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Friday, August 23.