Posted on Oct 12

Cardinals TE Travis Vokolek carted off field after injury by Colts' Olubi

Posted Oct 12, 2025

The Arizona Cardinals' Travis Vokolek suffered a serious neck injury during a game against the Indianapolis Colts, raising concerns for player safety in the NFL.

Why it matters: Injuries remain a critical issue in professional football, affecting not only individual players but also team dynamics and season prospects.

Vokolek's situation highlights the inherent risks of kickoff returns, a play known for its high-impact collisions.
His absence could impact the Cardinals’ tight end depth, as he was filling in as the third-string option after joining the team late last year.

What's new: Vokolek was hurt on a touchback play with 11:01 left in the first quarter following a tackle by Colts linebacker Segun Olubi.

The severity of the injury prompted immediate medical attention, leading to Vokolek being immobilized and transported off the field on a stretcher.
At 27 years old, Vokolek entered the league as an undrafted free agent with the Baltimore Ravens in 2023 before signing with the Cardinals.

Between the lines: This incident underscores the unpredictability of injuries in football, particularly during routine plays that might otherwise seem harmless.

Despite having participated in four of Arizona’s first five games this season, Vokolek had yet to register any receptions, illustrating the challenges faced by lower-tier roster players trying to make an impact.

What to watch: The Cardinals will monitor Vokolek’s recovery closely as they adjust their roster moving forward.

The team's tight end position may require additional reinforcements, either from within or through external signings, depending on the prognosis for Vokolek.

The bottom line: While the NFL continues to implement rules aimed at reducing injury risks, incidents like Vokolek's highlight the ongoing challenge of player safety in a contact sport.

As teams prepare for the remainder of the season, the focus will inevitably shift to how each organization supports its players in both recovery and performance.

Cardinals TE Travis Vokolek carted off field after injury by Colts' Olubi

Alex Parker

Posted Oct 12, 2025

The Arizona Cardinals' Travis Vokolek suffered a serious neck injury during a game against the Indianapolis Colts, raising concerns for player safety in the NFL.

Why it matters: Injuries remain a critical issue in professional football, affecting not only individual players but also team dynamics and season prospects.

Vokolek's situation highlights the inherent risks of kickoff returns, a play known for its high-impact collisions.

His absence could impact the Cardinals’ tight end depth, as he was filling in as the third-string option after joining the team late last year.

What's new: Vokolek was hurt on a touchback play with 11:01 left in the first quarter following a tackle by Colts linebacker Segun Olubi.

The severity of the injury prompted immediate medical attention, leading to Vokolek being immobilized and transported off the field on a stretcher.

At 27 years old, Vokolek entered the league as an undrafted free agent with the Baltimore Ravens in 2023 before signing with the Cardinals.

Between the lines: This incident underscores the unpredictability of injuries in football, particularly during routine plays that might otherwise seem harmless.

Despite having participated in four of Arizona’s first five games this season, Vokolek had yet to register any receptions, illustrating the challenges faced by lower-tier roster players trying to make an impact.

What to watch: The Cardinals will monitor Vokolek’s recovery closely as they adjust their roster moving forward.

The team's tight end position may require additional reinforcements, either from within or through external signings, depending on the prognosis for Vokolek.

The bottom line: While the NFL continues to implement rules aimed at reducing injury risks, incidents like Vokolek's highlight the ongoing challenge of player safety in a contact sport.

As teams prepare for the remainder of the season, the focus will inevitably shift to how each organization supports its players in both recovery and performance.