Falcons running back Ito Smith was carted off the field after a head-to-head collision with Rams linebacker Cory Littleton during the 37-10 loss Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

The play happened on a third-and-9 from the Rams’ 49  late in the first quarter. On the television replays, Littleton appeared to lower his head as the top of the players’ helmets hit head-on.

Falcons head coach Dan Quinn watches as medical personnel evaluate injured running back Ito Smith during the first half Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

Credit: Todd Kirkland

icon to expand image

Credit: Todd Kirkland

Smith, who is 5-foot-9, 195 pounds, toppled backward after the hit from the 6-3, 228-pound Littleton. Smith remained on the ground before the cart came on the field.

It was announced at halftime that Smith had suffered head and neck injuries. He did not return to the game.

About the Author

Keep Reading

Former Arizona Cardinals kicker Zane Gonzalez has made 96 of 120 field-goal attempts (80%), with a long of 57 yards. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images/TNS 2020)

Credit: TNS

Featured

Passengers wait at a Delta check-in counter at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025. It was the first day the Federal Aviation Administration cut flight capacity at airports during the government shutdown. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com