Chargers’ Donald Parham Jr. expected to be released from hospital after scary head injury
The Chargers announced that tight end Donald Parham Jr. is alert and resting comfortably at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and will likely be released from the hospital later Friday after being diagnosed with a concussion.
Parham sustained a concussion Thursday night after slamming his head on the turf in the back of the end zone while trying to catch a pass on a fourth-and-goal play early in the first quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at SoFi Stadium.
Parham also provided an update on his health status and gave a thumbs-up on a social media post.
“I’m all good everybody,” Parham wrote. “You know can’t nothing hold a real one down. But I appreciate all the love and support from everyone. It means so much to me and my family to know so many people are thinking about me and my well being.”
— Donald Parham Jr (@Jiggydd_89) December 17, 2021
The 24-year-old appeared to lose consciousness after falling in the end zone and was removed from the field on a stretcher. A teammate briefly tried to move Parham’s left arm while he was on the turf, but it appeared to be frozen in a bent position.
Trainers and medical personnel removed Parham’s facemask from his helmet and placed him on a backboard. His arms were shaking as he was wheeled off while concerned players from both teams watched.
Staley said he spoke to Parham’s family and that his mother traveled to Southern California to be with her son at the hospital.
“I had contact with Donald’s family, his girlfriend, Brittany,” Staley said Friday. “His mother just arrived in Los Angeles this morning and is with him currently at (Harbor-UCLA Medical Center).
“It was encouraging news throughout the night. We were updated about his progress and throughout the early morning. The statement, obviously, is a good sign. He’s trending positive. The most important thing is that his mom is with him, his girlfriend. He’s with great care. (Senior Director of Player Engagement) Arthur Hightower and Dr. Herb Martin have been amazing from our team, making sure that that happened with his mom getting here so quickly. I look forward to talking to him, personally, at some point today.”
Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert expressed support and concern for his teammate.
“I’m just hoping for the best,” Herbert said Thursday. “Parham has been an incredible teammate and an incredible friend. He’s been nice to everyone in that locker room, and everyone loves him. Obviously, it’s incredibly tough to see him down on the field. But he’s tough. He’s a fighter, and we’ve just got to pray for him and hope for him, and hopefully, he’s ready to go.”
The Chargers lost to the Chiefs, 34-28, in overtime.