Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Dean Pees was taken to a hospital in New Orleans after he was involved in a pregame collision with a Saints player, reportedly with a Saints’ kick returner.
The 73-year-old Pees, according to an ESPN report, was put on a stretcher and carted off the field. He was said to be surrounded by medical staff and coaches for several minutes on the 35-yard line before being taken to the University Medical Center.
Around 3 p.m., the Falcons said Pees was treated and released from the hospital, and that he would rejoin the team for its flight home after the game.
When the incident happened, the Falcons said Pees “was stable, alert and responsive” before being transported to the hospital. Linebackers coach Frank Bush was the interim defensive coordinator for Sunday’s game.
Pees, an NFL coach of nearly 20 years, is currently in his second season with the Falcons. Prior to joining the team for the 2021 season, Pees had won two Super Bowls, one as the New England Patriots’ linebackers coach in 2005 and another as the Baltimore Ravens’ defensive coordinator in 2013.