Vanderbilt edge rusher Miles Capers was hospitalized for imaging after sustaining an injury while trying to tackle a Kentucky player in the second quarter on Saturday night, but he returned to the sidelines during the second half to witness the Commodores’ 20-13 win in the Southeastern Conference.
During the play, Capers became trapped under a group of players tackling Wildcats running back Demie Sumo-Karngbaye, remaining on the field momentarily afterward. Vanderbilt’s medical team quickly reached him as Kroger Field fell silent, with players from both teams kneeling in prayer while a wooden board was brought in. He was then stabilized and placed on a stretcher before being taken off the field. A spokesperson for Vanderbilt football stated that Capers was taken to a hospital for precautionary imaging, but he rejoined the sidelines in the third quarter wearing sweats and a hoodie.
Coach Clark Lea said after the game that Capers had injured his neck and praised the medical staff for their cautious approach. He also expressed gratitude to Kentucky’s coach Mark Stoops and his team for their concern for Capers.
Lea added that while he wasn’t sure about any lingering issues, Capers had a smile on his face. The incident was alarming, but his teammates supported the senior, who had been named Southeastern Conference defensive lineman of the week for his impressive performance in last week’s historic 40-35 upset of top-ranked Alabama. Capers contributed with a strip sack and a forced fumble that resulted in a touchdown and is currently fourth on the team with 22 tackles and tied for the lead with 4.5 tackles for loss.
