Sioape Vatikani injury update: Cal football player goes down in game vs FSU
(This story was updated to add new information.)
A California offensive lineman went down with a scary injury during the Florida State vs. Cal game that stopped play for several minutes.
Sioape Vatikani took two quick hits to the head or neck area during a play late in the third quarter of FSU's win against Cal. He went to the ground and didn't show movement immediately afterward.
Medical personnel came onto the field, and Vatikani eventually was stretchered off the field. He was seen moving his arms and legs, and he gave a thumbs up as he was taken off the field. Play was stopped for about 10 minutes.
On the next play, Cal took a 9-7 lead on a 51-yard field goal by Ryan Coe.
Sioape Vatikani injury update
Cal guard Sioape Vatikani went down with 1:43 to go in the third quarter with FSU leading 7-6. Nyziah Hunter caught a five-yard pass from quarterback Fernando Mendoza on the play.
Vatikani took a few quick shots to the head or neck area and went down to the field. Vatikani had missed Cal's first three games this season with an injury.
Sioape Vatikani stats
Before this season, Sioape Vatikani had played 24 of 25 possible games since coming to Berkeley in 2022. He had started 20 games for Cal. Running back Jaydn Ott ran for 1,315 yards last season with Vatikani as a key member of the offensive line.
Cal coach Justin Wilcox updates Sioape Vatikani injury status
Justin Wilcox said after the game Sioape Vatikani was taken to a Tallahassee hospital and had movement in his extremities, according to Cal football reporters.
Justin Wilcox says Cal right guard Sioape Vatikani is at a local hospital being examined and he has movement in his extremities. No update beyond that.
— Cal Rivals (@CalRivals) September 22, 2024
This story will be updated.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Sioape Vatikani injury update: Cal lineman exits game vs Florida State