NC State's McCall released from hospital following a helmet-jarring hit

RALEIGH, N.C. -- N.C. State quarterback Grayson McCall was taken off the field on a cart after being placed in a brace following a first-quarter hit that jarred his helmet and the football loose Saturday in a 34-30 loss to Wake Forest.

McCall scrambled for a gain of about 9 yards before he was hit by multiple Wake Forest defenders, including Quincy Bryant, Dylan Hazen and Nick Andersen. Players then headed to the other end of the field in pursuit of Wake Forest's fumble return, N.C. State medical personnel rushed onto the field as play continued.

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

After the game, coach Dave Doeren said McCall had passed all concussion protocols in advance of the Wake 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, 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."

NC State players immediately signaled for medical personnel after McCall was hit. Athletic 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 personnel 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.

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Associated Press contributed to this report