Cardinals' Travis Vokolek Suffers Neck Injury; Leaves Field Alert After Scare
October 12, 2025
Vokolek was immediately taken off the field on a stretcher and golf cart, initially immobilized and on a backboard, with trainers and players gathering around him.
He was left on his back and not moving initially, but was later reported to be alert and able to move all extremities, providing some reassurance about his neurological condition.
Vokolek's injury occurred early in the game, and he was transported via golf cart after being placed on a backboard, with a thumbs-up gesture indicating initial signs of stability.
The medical response was swift, with trainers and players gathering around him as he was immobilized and taken off the field for further evaluation.
Arizona Cardinals tight end Travis Vokolek suffered a neck injury during a game against the Indianapolis Colts early in the first quarter, after attempting to block Colts linebacker Segun Olubi on a kickoff return.
Vokolek, 27, entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent signed by the Baltimore Ravens in 2023 and joined the Cardinals' active roster in December of that year.
At the time of injury, Vokolek was the third-string tight end for the Cardinals, primarily contributing on special teams, and had participated in four of the first five games of the season without recording a catch.
Despite the severity of the initial immobilization, Vokolek was later reported to be alert and able to move all his extremities, easing concerns about potential neurological damage.
During the same game, Colts receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. also left the field for evaluation after a hard fall, suspected to be a concussion.
The injury appeared serious as Vokolek was immobilized with both arms strapped down and showed limited movement while being taken off the field.
Summary based on 3 sources
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Sources

AP News • Oct 12, 2025
Cardinals tight end carted off field after injuring neck against Colts | AP News
ESPN • Oct 12, 2025
Cardinals' Vokolek stretchered off after suffering neck injury - ESPN
WKMG News 6 & ClickOrlando • Oct 12, 2025
Cardinals lose tight end Travis Vokolek with a neck injury in first quarter of Colts game