Michigan freshman Ondre Pipkins suffers neck injury in practice, taken to U-M hospital
Update: Ondre Pipkins attends Michigan practice, without neck brace, hours after sustaining neck injury
This story was updated at 10:35 a.m. with more information on Ondre Pipkins.
Michigan freshman defensive tackle Ondre Pipkins has movement in all his extremities after suffering a neck injury Friday morning in practice, coach Brady Hoke said in a statement.
The Wolverines called Huron Valley Ambulance at 8:53 a.m., according to an HVA spokesperson. Pipkins was in stable condition, but transported to U-M Health System for "precautionary measures."
Ondre Pipkins
Pipkins' injury is the third of the Wolverines' preseason camp. Freshman defensive end Chris Wormley suffered a season-ending ACL tear and senior receiver Roy Roundtree is out two weeks after having arthroscopic knee surgery.
Wormley is out for the Wolverines' season opener Sept. 1 against Alabama, while Roundtree has a "good" chance of playing according to Hoke. Pipkins' status is unknown.
Pipkins is a 6-foot-3, 340-pound freshman from Kansas City. He was expected to play a role this season on Michigan's revamped defensive line, and had received praise from teammates for his early play at a position that is difficult for freshmen.
"Pip's a guy that is just real strong, and he goes real hard," senior defensive end Craig Roh said last week. "I've seen a couple plays where he's just knocked back the quarterback or the running back or something. He's pretty good with his pass rush as well. For how big he is, he moves pretty well.
"I saw a few highlight tapes of his, but actually seeing him in person move like that was pretty impressive."
The Wolverines have lost starting tackles Mike Martin and Will Heininger, and their replacements -- senior Will Campbell and junior Jibreel Black -- combine for one career start.
Pipkins was considered to be a possible backup for Campbell, and Campbell had taken the freshman under his guidance.
The two are roommates during camp.
"I’ve been talking to him and getting in his head and make sure he won’t make the mistakes I did," Campbell said recently. "I’m trying to make sure he gets the point before I did.
"He’s probably stronger than I was coming in. Quicker off the ball, probably. He’s a hard worker. I’m surprised right now.”
AnnArbor.com reporter Kyle Feldscher contributed to this story.
Kyle Meinke covers Michigan football for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2588, by email at kylemeinke@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @kmeinke.
Comments
D21
Fri, Aug 17, 2012 : 11:01 p.m.
At least Ondre can be Hoke's bodyguard should he call it quits (playing football) since he can walk the Hoke strut. TiM
BamaFan
Fri, Aug 17, 2012 : 9:29 p.m.
I sincerely hope that this young man will have a successful recovery and that this issue is just a temporary situation. MGB, TideFan
ted
Fri, Aug 17, 2012 : 8:59 p.m.
Realistically, his playing career is over. Its a neck injury. His parents, the school and maybe even he will not allow him to play ever again. At least he will get a good education at Michigan.
Blu n Tpa
Sat, Aug 18, 2012 : 12:24 p.m.
I can't believe how wrong you are all the time. A person could have a very good life by just doing the opposite of what you decide to do.
1bit
Sat, Aug 18, 2012 : 1:59 a.m.
So, you're wrong and telling u all to learn a lesson? Nice... Here's how your post should have gone: "Looks like I overreacted and the big guy is okay; sorry for the alarmist post!"
ted
Fri, Aug 17, 2012 : 10:54 p.m.
Well it turns out he was released and he is fine. I had a feeling the staff was just exercising precaution and there was nothing to worry about. I just wanted to point out to the rest of you that neck injuries are often carreer ending. Hopefully, you will remember what you've learned here today and next time you will understand the seriousness of the situation.
ted
Fri, Aug 17, 2012 : 10:30 p.m.
When is it serious enough to call an ambulance ?
MRunner73
Fri, Aug 17, 2012 : 9:56 p.m.
Folks, a local radio station is reporting Ondre's injuries could be a neck stinger. They did not say or speculate any further. Neither will I. I am also sure AA.com is on this and put out another update when they can obtain more info. The news may not be as dire as thought. Hoke will not have a press conference until Monday and by that time, we might learn a lot more about Ondre's health status. The positive remarks by all have left me feeling pretty good.
Billy Bob Schwartz
Fri, Aug 17, 2012 : 9:29 p.m.
ted....What a dumb thing to say. You have no clue. This is a young man in great shape. While those of us of somewhat advancing age take a while to heal, a guy his age and in great shape can heal very quickly. This is why you play football when you are young. (Well, among other reasons.) From what we hear, his career is not over. From what we hear, I would think he will be back at it soon. Don't be such a snudge.
Hailmary
Fri, Aug 17, 2012 : 9:13 p.m.
Nope, you are wrong ted. This is a setback and even if he does not play right away, this year, next year, you can't realistically say his, "playing career is over" unless you can produce his medical records and prove that to be a fact quoted by his doctor. As I said, I had a severe neck injury with complications and I recovered, don't try to set this young mans rehabilitation back by saying things you can't back up. ted, are you a doctor?
Matt Battin
Fri, Aug 17, 2012 : 9:06 p.m.
This is nothing but speculation. Ever had whiplash? or a stinger? Both neck injuries, both require no more than a few weeks rest. Now I'm of course looking at the best case scenarios, but why jump right to career ending? This kid is hoping to be the next LaMarr Woodley. He'll do everything he can to come back.
SEC Fan
Fri, Aug 17, 2012 : 8:55 p.m.
Speedy recover Mr. Pipkins.
D21
Fri, Aug 17, 2012 : 11 p.m.
Thank you, and hope u will cheer for UM against Bama.
Hailmary
Fri, Aug 17, 2012 : 7:46 p.m.
I had a broken neck in the military, 3 vertebrate and nerve damage. I made a recovery within a 6 mo. range and received a world wide combative release to active duty. I'm assuming Ondre did not break his neck and with some physical therapy I'm guessing he'll be fine. You'll always hear the negative about injuries,l I did, paid little attention, worked my butt off and made a quick recovery.
Theo's Brother
Fri, Aug 17, 2012 : 7:34 p.m.
Forget football. Forget the DLine. Forget Alabama. Forget Sparty and Ohio. Let's make sure this 18-year-old young man has no nerve damage and his motor skills so he can lead a normal life and play with his kids/grandkids over the next few decades. That should be our concern. When's all that's covered, then we can worry about when he will be back. GO BLUE!
Kyle Meinke
Fri, Aug 17, 2012 : 8:09 p.m.
Terry, no problem my man.
golfer
Fri, Aug 17, 2012 : 7:56 p.m.
well said him first football second. i am sure michigan will be sure before they do anything. safety first.
Terry Star21
Fri, Aug 17, 2012 : 7:46 p.m.
Thanks for the recent update Kyle.
MRunner73
Fri, Aug 17, 2012 : 7:44 p.m.
Well stated 'Bro. That's exactly where I'm coming from. I hope and pray the diagnosis will turn out OK. Can't wait to hear encouraging news. I am sure the team is shook up over this and also hope they wish the best for Ondre. Thx, Go Blue!
Kyle Meinke
Fri, Aug 17, 2012 : 7:44 p.m.
Theo's Brother ... couldn't agree more. Scary stuff. His health should be of primary concern -- and, fortunately, it seems he'll be OK. Football can come later. For now, let's rejoice this teenager is in stable condition.
Wally the Wolverine
Fri, Aug 17, 2012 : 5:39 p.m.
This is a big blow to the D line. All we can hope for is a speedy recovery and that he is able to return before too long.
D21
Fri, Aug 17, 2012 : 5:32 p.m.
Mr Pipkins, pray you get well whether u are able to play football or not
Terry Star21
Fri, Aug 17, 2012 : 5:10 p.m.
"precautionary measures." Although I never like any hospital diagnosis, I can relate to this one and the fact he has movement in all extremities - let's all hope for the best. Neck injuries are very critical, and no one on that training staff would ever dismiss one and send him off to the training room. Tru2Blu76....from what we've seen and heard thus far on Pip, it's going to take a lot for this kid to be denied anything ! We'll hope and wish the best. MgoBlueForTiM...deep dish pizza tonight Pip, don't be late...
BornInA2
Fri, Aug 17, 2012 : 3:51 p.m.
Get well, Ondre. Hoping to see you up, smiling, and doing your famous Hoke-walk agains soon! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5cEW3n7R7U Hail!
Kyle Meinke
Fri, Aug 17, 2012 : 7:45 p.m.
BornInA2 ... hilarious. Thanks for reminding me of that clip. And forget the impression ... that walk gets me every time.
D21
Fri, Aug 17, 2012 : 5:33 p.m.
Amen to that.
MRunner73
Fri, Aug 17, 2012 : 3:27 p.m.
Get Well, Ondre...we're all pulling for your recovery.
Tru2Blu76
Fri, Aug 17, 2012 : 3:19 p.m.
Just thank goodness Ondre wasn't more seriously hurt. Team 133 seems to be getting more than its fair share of practice injuries. Lets hope this team isn't too depleted for the Sept. one matchup with Alabama. Let Ondre Pipkins not be denied his destiny as a star for Michigan.
MRunner73
Fri, Aug 17, 2012 : 3:50 p.m.
I like your last sentence because Ondre is so young and has so much ahead of him. Not just someone to root for on the playing field but for what his hopes and dreams are in life.
1959Viking
Fri, Aug 17, 2012 : 2:56 p.m.
Hope there is no nerve damage, muscles heal fast when you're a teenager.
MassMittenz
Fri, Aug 17, 2012 : 2:29 p.m.
Get well, Big Guy!