Matt LaFleur: It was in interest of both teams to end game early

The Green Bay Packers and New England Patriots ended their preseason game early following a scary injury to rookie defensive back Isaiah Bolden. After the game, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur explained that it was in everyone’s best interest to end the game early.

It was Matt LaFleur and Bill Belichick who, while coordinating with referee John Hussey, decided that it was right to end the game early.

“Obviously, a very scary ending to the game right there,” LaFleur said. “Thoughts and prayers to Isaiah Bolden and his family.”

LaFleur added that he thought it was in the best interest of both teams to end the game early and that his thoughts remain with Bolden.

“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. There’s a lot of good work that we’ve had over the last couple of days, but it’s hard to think about much of that. Just hope that that young man is going to be OK.”

Preseason games are exhibitions, but players rarely treat them as such. For those who have a secure roster spot, they’re important to get back into the swing of the regular season. However, for borderline players fighting for roster spots, these games and reps are vital.

Isaiah Bolden was injured while trying to make a tackle when a fellow Patriots defender landed an accidental blow to his head. After hitting the ground, Bolden remained motionless and was taken to the hospital. There was 10:29 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Matt LaFleur and the Green Bay Packers have their final preseason game next Saturday against Seattle. New England, meanwhile, will play Tennessee on Friday.

The latest on Isaiah Bolden’s health

Immediately, Isaiah Bolden was taken to an area hospital. Luckily, the Patriots announced on X/Twitter that he “had feeling in all his extremities.” That announcement came shortly after the game ended.

New England later announced Bolden would be held overnight. More news on his health should be given at some point in the morning.

Bolden is a rookie for New England. He was selected with a seventh-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft out of Jackson State. His concerning injury comes shortly after two Philadelphia Eagles, Tyrie Cleveland and Moro Ojomo, suffered similarly scary injuries. On top of that, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback John Wolford left his preseason game on a stretcher.