An NFL official that suffered a gruesome injury during the New Orleans Saints and Detroit Lions game on Sunday will have surgery on his broken leg.
In the second quarter of the game at Caesars Superdome, Saints running back Alvin Kamara was attempting to get a first down on a third down play when he was pushed out of bounds. Kamara’s momentum took him into sideline official Nick Piazza. Kamara collided with Piazza, who then fell to the ground. Fox cameras showed Piazza grabbing his leg and yelling in pain before cutting away.
Play was stopped as medical teams worked with Piazza, who was then stretchered away from the field while wearing a leg cast.
NFL official medical update
Piazza was taken to a nearby hospital and was initially said to have a dislocated knee, according to a Saints spokesperson. On Monday, the Saints revealed Piazza not only suffered a dislocated knee, but he also suffered a fractured fibula in the collision.
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The good news is Piazza’s blood vessels remain intact and likely will have surgery next week, according to a team spokesperson, adding the official appreciates the well wishes he’s received from fans.
Piazza was working as a member of the chain crew for Sunday’s game, which the Lions won 33-28.