EAST LANSING – Michigan State starting tight end Jack Velling suffered a scary injury and was carted off the field early in Friday’s game against Purdue.

On the first offensive possession for the Spartans (4-6, 2-5 Big Ten), Velling took a big hit over the middle from Purdue’s Dillon Thieneman just as a pass arrived. It fell incomplete and Velling, who took a shot in the stomach, rolled across the field in obvious pain.

Michigan State medical staff quickly signaled for the stretcher and cart as they surrounded Velling. He was on the field for five minutes and had his jersey removed before being placed on a backboard and taken away. Velling gave a thumbs up to cheers as he was driven from the Spartan Stadium grounds.

It is unclear what the extent of the injury is. A program spokesperson said Velling was taken to hospital for further evaluation.

Velling, a junior, set an Oregon State single-season record for touchdown catches by a tight end with eight last year. He followed coach Jonathan Smith to East Lansing this offseason and had 30 catches for 323 yards in the first 10 games combined this season. Velling had one 11-yard grab on Friday before getting injured.

After Velling’s injury, quarterback Aidan Chiles threw a seven-yard touchdown pass to Montorie Foster to take a 7–3 lead with 4:24 to play in the first quarter.

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