Van Noy Eye Injury: Chiefs Trainer Responds
Kansas City Chiefs linebacker, Anthony Hitchens, suffered an eye injury during a preseason game against the Washington Commanders on August 11th, 2023. The injury occurred after a collision with a teammate, raising concerns about the severity and potential impact on Hitchens' season.
Initial reports suggested that Hitchens was visibly shaken after the incident and received immediate medical attention. The Chiefs medical staff quickly responded, tending to Hitchens' injury on the field. While the exact nature of the injury remains unclear, the team acknowledged that it was a serious concern.
After the game, the Chiefs' head coach, Andy Reid, provided a brief update on Hitchens' condition, confirming that he had undergone tests to determine the extent of the injury.
In the days following the game, there was a great deal of speculation about Hitchens' recovery and the possibility of his season being jeopardized.
The Chiefs' head trainer, Rick Burkholder, provided a more detailed response to the media on August 14th, shedding light on the situation.
Burkholder explained that Hitchens' injury involved a "corneal abrasion," which is a scratch or abrasion on the surface of the eye. He emphasized that Hitchens was "very fortunate" that the injury was not more serious.
According to Burkholder, the Chiefs are taking a cautious approach to Hitchens' recovery. He confirmed that Hitchens will undergo further testing and treatment to ensure the injury heals properly.
"We are not going to rush him back," Burkholder stated. "We want to make sure he is fully healed before he returns to practice or game action."
Burkholder's comments provide some reassurance to Chiefs fans who were concerned about the severity of Hitchens' injury. While a corneal abrasion can be painful, it's typically a manageable injury that heals relatively quickly.
It is still too early to determine a specific timeline for Hitchens' return. However, the Chiefs' cautious approach and Burkholder's optimism suggest that Hitchens should be able to return to the field later in the season.
The Chiefs are expected to provide updates on Hitchens' progress as he continues to heal.
Fans eagerly await further news on his recovery and will be hoping for a smooth return to the field.
