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Bears' Leonard Floyd Suffers Neck Injury; Released From Hospital

By Chris Emma--

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (CBS) -- Silence struck MetLife Stadium on Sunday as Bears rookie linebacker Leonard Floyd was motionless on the turf.

After the crown of the 24-year-old Floyd's helmet went crashing straight into the side of teammate Akiem Hicks, he went down to the field without movement. Floyd sustained the neck injury late in the fourth quarter of the Bears' 22-16 loss to the Giants and was taken straight from the stadium to an ambulance for further evaluations at a local hospital.

The Bears confirmed two hours after the game that Floyd would be released from a local hospital and will return with the team to Chicago on Sunday night.

Early returns immediately after the game were "encouraging," Bears coach John Fox said, confirming that Floyd had movement.

Floyd remained down on the field for eight minutes. A team of 21 surrounded him on the field as medical personnel prepared the cart and backboard.

Once Floyd was hoisted to the cart, the entire Bears team emerged from the sidelines to wish him well before he departed toward the ambulance. He was lifted straight into the vehicle and taken away to a local hospital.

"It was pretty scary, man, but he's a fighter," Bears linebacker Danny Trevathan said. "I know he's going to be alright. It was sad to see him going down."

Further updates to Floyd's status are expected Sunday night or Monday afternoon at Halas Hall.

Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 and like his Facebook page.

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