It’s been six days since Rutgers defensive tackle Eric LeGrand was paralyzed from the neck down attempting to make a tackle on a kick return, and, heartbreakingly, there’s no good news at all to report.
LeGrand remains hospitalized in intensive care at a New Jersey hospital and is breathing with the assistance of a ventilator. Most distressing to LeGrand, his family and his doctors is the fact that he’s not shown any movement below the neck since suffering the injury to his spinal cord.
The school is not releasing any updates regarding LeGrand’s status, but a former neurosurgeon who is working closely with the doctors who are treating the player spoke to the Newark Star-Ledger and opened a tiny window into the how things stand medically for LeGrand.
As it’s been nearly a week since the injury, it’s not the kind of news even the most optimistic person wants to hear.
“Right now the family is, I guess every one is, confused, looking for signs of anything hopeful,” said Dr. Wise Young. “There are so many feelings and fears ... So many conflicting emotions. ...
“There’s just no news, and there will not be significant news, I think, in the coming weeks. This early period they will go through step-by-step (in terms of recovery) of function and independence and trying to get him back to school.”
Again, our thoughts and prayers go out to Eric LeGrand and his family as they deal with this devastating injury. And, as a reminder, if you would like to send out a get-well message to Eric, click HERE.