A scary scene took place during the pregame warmups ahead of Sunday’s game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints when Falcons defensive coordinator Dean Pees was taken out of the stadium on a cart after a collision with a Saints player.
In a statement from the team shared by league insider Ian Rapoport of The NFL Network, the Atlanta Falcons said that Dean Pees was “alert and responsive” as he was transported to the hospital on Sunday afternoon and announced their plans to replace him for Sunday’s game.
The #Falcons statement on DC Dean Pees, who is headed to the hospital. pic.twitter.com/BKsiPrruht
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 18, 2022
“Atlanta Falcons Defensive Coordinator Dean Pees was involved in an on-field pregame collision. He was stable, alert and responsible and has been transported to University Medical Center New Orleans for medical testing,” the Falcons said in a statement. “Frank Bush will serve as interim defensive play caller for today’s game.”
According to a report from Falcons reporter Michael Rothstein of ESPN, the injury occurred when Pees collided with a New Orleans Saints player during pregame warmups.
Falcons DC Dean Pees was carted off the field after colliding with a Saints player during warmups prior to today's game in New Orleans.
He was on the field for several minutes before taken off.
— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) December 18, 2022
“Falcons DC Dean Pees was carted off the field after colliding with a Saints player during warmups prior to today’s game in New Orleans. He was on the field for several minutes before taken off,” Rothstein said in a Tweet.
It’s certainly a concerning situation for Dean Pees and the Atlanta Falcons. The team will undoubtedly be eagerly awaiting updates on the situation as things progress.
