Texans WR facing surgery after fracturing vertebra

Irving, Texas — Houston Texans receiver Harry Williams fractured a vertebra Friday night and is facing spinal surgery after being hit in the head during a collision with a teammate.

Williams temporarily lost movement in his arms and legs but later “regained almost normal neurologic function” after being taken from the field on a stretcher and hospitalized, Texans team physician Dr. Walter Lowe said in a statement.

Williams was expected to have surgery this weekend to fuse two vertebrae. The operation was to be performed by Dr. Drew Dossett, one of the Dallas Cowboys’ team physicians who is a nationally recognized spine surgeon.

Williams, who was trying to make a tackle on a kickoff return by the Cowboys, was face down on the field when the play ended. Medical personnel immediately called for a stretcher and the game was delayed for about 10 minutes while they tended to Williams.

Lowe’s statement said Williams started regaining feeling in his arms and legs on his way to the hospital. Texans coach Gary Kubiak sounded upbeat after Houston’s 23-22 loss.

“He’s got movement throughout his body,” Kubiak said. “All the feedback I’m getting is that Harry will be fine.”

Williams’ face mask was removed and his head was immobilized when he was strapped to the stretcher and taken to an ambulance.

Williams was hurt after he reached and unsuccessfully tried to tackle Isaiah Stanback. After Williams slid off the runner and was falling to the ground, he collided with teammate Nick Ferguson, who was also trying to tackle Stanback. Ferguson got up and had no apparent injury.

The play occurred about 3 minutes into the game, on the ensuing kickoff after Houston capped the opening drive with a field goal. Stanback’s 44-yard return set up the Cowboys for a touchdown.

Williams spent most of last season on the Texans’ practice squad, playing in only two games. He is considered a long shot to make the team as a receiver, but has been one of Houston’s best special teams players in the preseason.