Broncos coach hospitalised after huge sideline collision

Popular Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Wade Phillips was involved in a scary collision on the sideline during Sunday’s game, hit the ground hard and was down for several minutes before he was carted off on a stretcher.

Phillips was accidentally hit by a Chargers running back Melvin Gordon, who was pushed toward the Denver sideline by a Broncos defender on the play. Phillips went down hard, and CBS announcers said he didn’t move for several moments, but he could be seen moving his arms and head after a while.

CBS sideline reporter Jamie Erdahl reported that before Phillips was carted off, his eyes were open and he was answering questions from the training staff. Phillips was strapped to a stretcher and carted off after a long delay. CBS said later in the second quarter that Phillips was taken to a hospital for more tests, but he was alert and moving all extremities.

Phillips, 69, is popular among players, fans and media for his sense of humor. He’s also one of the best coordinators in football, and last season got his first Super Bowl ring after more than four decades of coaching. It’s fitting that on the play Phillips was injured, his defense was in the process of scoring a touchdown. Bradley Roby took back an interception on the play in which Phillips had his sideline collision.

It had already been an unusual season for Broncos coaches. Head coach Gary Kubiak missed Denver’s game against the Chargers two weeks ago because of a complex migraine condition. Kubiak was taken to the hospital after an Oct. 9 loss to the Atlanta Falcons after suffering symptoms.

Phillips was hit on the sidelines last season too, when Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Martavis Bryant ran into him during a playoff game. He was uninjured on that hit.