Cincinnati QB Kiel sent to hospital after frightening hit to head

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Cincinnati quarterback Gunner Kiel was injured on a high hit in the first quarter of the Bearcats' game at Memphis on Thursday night.

Kiel turned up field to run on a third-down play and was hit from the side by defensive back Chauncey Lanier.

Kiel's neck and head were immobilized and he was taken off the field on a cart. He was seen talking with medical personnel and was taken to Methodist University Hospital.

Kiel was released from the hospital after the game and accompanied the team back to Cincinnati, Bearcats sports information director Ryan Koslen said in an email message to The Associated Press.

Lanier was initially called for targeting, but a video review showed it was shoulder-to-shoulder contact and Lanier remained in the game.

Kiel was 7 of 11 for 63 yards with a TD run and an interception before his injury. Freshman Hayden Moore passed for a school-record 557 yards and threw four touchdown passes in relief, but Cincinnati lost a 53-46 shootout. 

Kiel returned for the game Thursday after sustaining what was initially diagnosed as a mild concussion Saturday when his head slammed into the ground in Cincinnati's victory at Miami of Ohio. Miami's Bryson Albright was called for roughing the passer on the play.

Coach Tommy Tuberville said Tuesday that the quarterback had some soreness in his neck, but had improved and was cleared to play.