Jack Campbell update: Detroit Lions see 'positive' indications for hospitalized linebacker

(FOX 2) - The Lions said Jack Campbell's recovery ongoing and that there were "positive indications" the day after he suffered a scary injury to his neck.

In the team's afternoon press conference, coach Dan Campbell said the team got bit by the injury bug following the team's victory against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday.

"Just to start with Jack, I know that there was a release that we put out — you know, and it's positive," Campbell said.

Dan Campbell: ‘Prayers are working’

Coach Campbell said he met with Jack Campbell's family Sunday night.

"It was good. It was positive, you know? Got to see his parents, talk to his wife, and you know, everybody's in good spirits," he said.

The coach added other players got to visit their team captain in the hospital, but that medical staff were still running tests on him.

"Jack never lays on the field, ever," Campbell said. "No matter what it is. And that's when you're like, you know it — it puts it into perspective."

Lions: 'Indications are positive'

In a brief update from the team on social media, Campbell is still at the hospital. "Preliminary indications are positive," the team said, "and out of respect for Jack and his family we will not share further information at this time."

Former Lions doctor on Campbell injury

Doctor Solomon Cogan is the founder of The Nerve & Disc Institute and is a current member of the Detroit Tigers' medical staff. 

Before joining the Tigers, he was on the Lions' medical staff for 14 years. He joined FOX 2 to talk about what he saw on Sunday.

What they're saying:

Cogan's primary concern is the potential for an injury to the brain or spinal cord.

In the immediate aftermath of the play where Campbell was injured, trainers assessed his health without moving him.

"If you move him immediately, that can make a smaller problem catastrophic," Cogan said.

In situations where the player is unconscious, doctors will treat the situation as a potential cervical=spine injury. The greatest concern is that any paralysis could be permanent.

Depending on the severity of the injury, treatment options can vary widely. 

Cogan added the shape of the neck is designed to absorb blows like the one that Campbell suffered. 

"The neck has a natural c-shaped curve and that's by design. It's really to be a shock absorber," he said.

The anatomy of one's nervous and skeletal system is why the NFL made spearing illegal. "When the neck is bent forward or straight, you get an axial compression to the spine and at much more risk of severe injuries," Cogan added.

But when a player's neck is up, it has more places to bend during an impact.

Cogan referenced Jayden Reed's injury earlier in the season when his head was dropped down during the impact, causing a severe injury. Campbell's head was more "neutral" during the play, which could point toward a better outcome. However, it's still not without risk. 

What happened to Jack Campbell?

The backstory:

Campbell was injured early in the fourth quarter of Detroit's game against the Minnesota Vikings when he suffered a neck injury. 

He was hospitalized after being carted off the field where he remained overnight into Monday. 

The Lions head coach did not have an update on his status following the end of their divisional game. Hours afterward, the team said Campbell would remain at a local hospital for continued evaluation.