Patriots Belichick On Bolden Injury Scare: 'Prayer for Isaiah'

New England Patriots cornerback Isaiah Bolden was carted off the field during the fourth quarter of their preseason matchup with the Green Bay Packers, causing the game to be suspended.

Following an abrupt and unexpected end to their preseason matchup on Saturday night at Lambeau Field, the the New England Patriots and Green Bay Packers were provided an arresting reminder that some things are bigger than the game of football. 

While the two teams had engaged in a pair of contentious joint practice sessions at Nitschke Field earlier in the week, New England’s 21-17 win seemed insignificant in light of their united concern for New England rookie cornerback Isaiah Bolden — who had seemingly suffered a serious injury with 10:38 remaining in the game. 

In fact, Patriots coach Bill Belichick — known primarily for his focus on football — dedicated all but a brief sentence of his post game media statement to expressing his care for Bolden’s health. 

“We’re all saying a prayer for Isaiah,” Belichick said. “We just released a statement. That’s all the information, the updated information we have. I appreciated the way the league handled it. I think that was the right thing to do.”

On a fourth-quarter third-and-7 for the Packers from the Pats' 25-yard line, Bolden collided violently with teammate Calvin Munson while attempting to cover Green Bay pass-catcher Malik Heath. He immediately fell to the ground after sustaining a hit to the head from Munson’s elbow. 

As members of both teams formed a prayer-like circle surrounding him, Bolden received medical attention. He was ultimately immobilized, placed on a stretcher and removed from the field on a cart. 

After a brief consultation, both the Patriots and Packers suspended play, thus ending the game — a conclusion which Belichick called a “league decision” made in tandem with Packers head coach Matt LaFleur. 

“Obviously, a very scary ending to the game right there,” LaFleur told reporters via video conference. “Thoughts and prayers to Isaiah Bolden and his family. It’s a scary situation, one that you never want to see in our game. I thought it was in the best interest of both teams … Coach Belichick and I talked on the field, to take the action that we took."

Shortly after the game’s end, the Patriots released the following statement regarding Bolden’s condition, revealing that the Pats seventh-round selection in April’s draft had “feeling in all his extremities,” and that he was being observed and evaluated at a local hospital. 

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

With the Pats set to begin a second set of joint practice sessions with the Tennessee Titans on Tuesday, the Pats will be forced to evaluate their performance on Saturday night before turning their attention to Nashville. 

Still, Belichick and the Patriots rightfully remain cognizant of their teammate as the latest team report indicates that he will be held overnight at a Green Bay hospital for continued evaluation. Accordingly, Bolden’s condition will be their primary focus in the short term. 

“We’ll regroup and talk about the game later,” Belichick said. “That’s kind of where things are for right now. Competitive game, competitive week, good week against Green Bay. Unfortunate what happened there at the end. Hopefully, Isaiah will be alright. That’s really about all I got.”

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