NC State QB Grayson McCall carted off field after hit to head

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DAVID HALE via <a href="http://espn.go.com/" title="ESPN" class="espn_sc_byline">ESPN </a>
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October 5, 2024, 12:59 PM ET
2 min read

NC State quarterback Grayson McCall was carted off the field after taking a hit to the head following an interception in the first quarter of Saturday's 34-30 loss to  Wake Forest.

McCall was transported to a nearby hospital, where Dave Doeren said initial reports were positive.

"Once they're done going through all the tests, we'll have more information," Doeren said.

McCall was making his first start after missing the past two games for the Wolfpack due to a concussion.

After the game -- a 34-30 loss -- Doeren said McCall had passed all concussion protocols in advance of Saturday's game and was cleared to play.

"He was ready to play, and he took a really vicious hit," Doeren said. "Sometimes football is a very violent sport, at times, and that was a big hit that he took. ... I hate it for him. You just hate to see a guy get hit like that. And obviously the results of hits like that are scary."

McCall has a history of concussions, including a serious head injury last season while playing at Coastal Carolina that ended his season -- and nearly his career.

"All the reports back from the hospital are positive," Doeren said. "Once they're done going through all the tests, obviously we'll have more information at that time."

With just more than five minutes off the clock, McCall threw a pick and was hit by a pair of Wake defenders, dislodging his helmet and sending the QB to the turf.

NC State players immediately signaled for medical personnel after McCall was hit. Trainers brought out a stretcher, cut off McCall's jersey and fitted him with a neck brace as Wolfpack players walked off the field in tears.

After a long delay, McCall was carried off the field. He held up two fingers to the crowd but otherwise kept his eyes covered as medical personal brought him into the tunnel.

No flags were thrown on the play.

Freshman CJ Bailey, who started each of the past two games against Clemson and Northern Illinois, came on in relief of McCall. Bailey finished 28-for-42 passing for 272 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.