New York Jets cornerback Qwan’tez Stiggers is in concussion protocol after collapsing during a Tuesday practice session and being transported to a local hospital via ambulance. Jets coach Aaron Glenn reported that Stiggers was released from the hospital Tuesday night and is recovering.
"Really good news on Stiggers, he was out of the hospital yesterday. He’s doing fine," Glenn said. "He’s actually in the concussion protocol, he had symptoms yesterday, so we’ll take care of that exactly how we do when any of our guys are in that situation. So, I’m really proud of that."
The incident occurred during a joint practice with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Stiggers went down on the sideline, prompting players from both teams to gather around him. Paramedics attended to Stiggers before he was placed on a stretcher and taken to the hospital. Glenn stated that while Stiggers is in protocol, he could not definitively say what caused the collapse, whether it was related to a hit or other factors like dehydration.
Stiggers is considered a key player on special teams and a backup cornerback for the Jets.
Joint Practice Observations
Following the incident, practice continued, with Glenn and Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles agreeing to end Wednesday's session with a two-minute drill. During this period, the Buccaneers' offense, led by Baker Mayfield, successfully drove for a touchdown against the Jets' defense. Glenn acknowledged that the Jets' coverage was poor during this segment.
The Jets' offense also struggled in the two-minute drill, failing to score. A notable offensive play for the Jets was a high-point catch by tight end Jeremy Ruckert over Buccaneers defender Antonie Winfield Jr. Quarterback Geno Smith described the play as "spectacular" and Ruckert as a player who consistently makes plays during camp.