A scary situation unfolded before kickoff between the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints at the Caesars Superdome, as Falcons defensive coordinator Dean Peas had to be transported to a local New Orleans hospital following an on-field collision.
During pregame warmups, Saints receiver/return man Rashid Shaheed crashed into Peas, causing the 73-year-old to fall backwards around the 35-yard line. Medical personnel worked on Peas for several minutes, stabilizing his neck before stretchering him off the field.
Peas was taken to the University Medical Center New Orleans, but the latest update on his condition is very encouraging.
According to the Atlanta Falcons, Peas has since been released from the hospital and he is set to fly back with the team tonight.
That’s great news for a Falcons team that could use some right about now, as their latest loss leaves them sitting in last-place in the NFC South. It feels like a lifetime ago when they were leading this division and looking poised to make a serious run at the playoffs.
Desmond Ridder was given the start under center for the Falcons today, and it was a rough debut for the rookie. He completed just 13 of his 26 pass attempts for 97 yards and no touchdowns in a 21-18 loss.
No word yet on whether or not Peas will be back on the sidelines next week when Atlanta travels to Baltimore to take on the Ravens.
