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Michigan State tight end Jack Velling hospitalized as a precaution after injury vs. Purdue

On3 imageby:Jim Comparoni•11/23/24•

JimComparoni

velling
Michigan State tight end Jack Velling gives a thumbs up sign to fans while being carted off the field during Michigan State's victory over Purdue on Friday. Velling was injured during a collision. | Photo by Dale Young | USA Today Network

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Michigan State junior tight end Jack Velling was hospitalized on Friday night as a precautionary measure after suffering an apparent upper body injury during the first quarter of Michigan State’s 24-17 victory over Purdue at Spartan Stadium.

“I spoke to him on the phone just a minute ago,” Michigan State head coach Jonathan Smith said during his postgame press conference. “At the hospital, precautionary type things, but he was in good spirits. He was able to watch the game but I don’t have anything definitive (in terms of medical information).”

Velling took a clean, hard hit to the midsection from Purdue safety Dillon Thieneman on a seam route during Michigan State’s opening drive of the game. Velling remained on the field, writhing in pain after the hit. Michigan State medical staff rushed onto the field and offered care for several minutes while the Spartan Stadium crowd grew quiet. 

Velling was put in an immobilizer and carted off the field after a long, concerning delay.

Sideline reporter Jehuu Caulcrick told the Spartan Radio Network audience that Velling was telling teammates that he was okay while on the cart, informing teammates there was no need to get emotional about his injury. Velling gave a thumbs-up sign while being carted off, which drew applause from the Spartan Stadium crowd.

Velling, a 6-foot-5, 244-pound junior from Seattle, ranks third on the team with 31 catches for 334 yards.

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