The New York Jets announced Saturday that Chip Trayanum suffered a neck injury during Friday night’s preseason game against the New York Giants and was transported to a local hospital. The team said Trayanum was "awake, alert and has movement of his extremities."
The injury occurred on the final play of the first half after Trayanum took a handoff and was tackled by Giants linebacker Trace Ford. He was carted off the field near halftime and taken to the hospital for further evaluation.
Before the injury, Trayanum capped the opening drive with a 1-yard touchdown and finished the appearance with 38 yards on 12 plays; on the touchdown series he carried nine times in 10 plays. Trayanum signed with the Jets as an undrafted rookie from Toledo this offseason.
Trayanum had been competing for a roster spot in the backfield mix; he signed with the Jets as an undrafted free agent this offseason and had 12 carries for 38 yards and a touchdown before being taken to a hospital after the play.
The Jets said Trayanum was awake, alert and had movement in all of his extremities after being transported to a hospital.
Trayanum’s appearance Friday offered a meaningful audition: his early drive and touch on special teams snaps had been part of an effort to carve out a role as an undrafted rookie. Now the Jets must balance that audition tape with medical realities as they finalize their roster ahead of the regular season.
The organization’s immediate priority is Trayanum’s health. The Jets will provide additional updates as medical information becomes available and as they determine what, if any, impact the injury will have on roster decisions.
