Patriots Rookie CB Isaiah Bolden Carted Off, Game vs. Packers Suspended; Updated Condition?

With the New England Patriots clinging to a 21-17 lead over the Green Bay Packers in preseason game 2 at Lambeau Field, a scary situation unfolded surrounding Pats rookie cornerback Isaiah Bolden.

On a fourth-quarter third-and-7 for the Packers from the Pats' 25-yard line, Bolden collided violently with teammate Calvin Munson and immediately fell to the ground after sustaining a hit to the head. Bolden, who was motionless and seemingly unconscious, received immediate medical attention.

As members of both teams formed a prayer-like circle surrounding him — reminiscent of Buffalo Bills’ safety Damar Hamlin’s life-threatening scare last January — paramedics placed Bolden on a stretcher and removed him from the field on a cart. After a brief consultation, both the Patriots and Packers agreed to suspend play, thus ending the game.

Scary moment. Isaiah Bolden took a hit to the head from Calvin Munson and stayed down on the field. pic.twitter.com/bM1MuAytvV
— Zack Cox (@zm_cox) August 20, 2023

Following Bolden’s exit, the Pats released a statement that he had movement in his extremities but was being taken to a local hospital for further tests and evaluation.

Patriots cornerback Isaiah Bolden sustained an injury during the fourth quarter of tonight’s game. He had feeling in all his extremities, but has been taken to a local hospital for further tests and observation.
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) August 20, 2023

The Jackson State product entered the contest with a great deal of promise, as both a kick returner as well as a depth piece at perimeter cornerback. He had performed well throughout training camp, and showed flashes of pro-level readiness during the Pats joint practice sessions with the Packers earlier this week.

Bolden was the Patriots lone seventh-rounder and final selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. For the Patriots, Bolden projects as both a depth corner and a special teams contributor. Still, he will face significant competition. First-round phenom Christian Gonzalez is already being touted as New England’s future lockdown corner, while second-year defensive back Jack Jones faces an uncertain future due to off-field legal troubles. With veterans Jonathan Jones (perimeter) and Myles Bryant (slot) expected to take on starting duties, corners Marcus Jones, Myles Bryant, Shaun Wade, Rodney Randle and fellow rookie Ameer Speed were expected to compete with Bolden for reserve roles within New England’s cornerback group.

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