National Football League

Seahawks' Carlson severely injured

Published Jan. 16, 2011 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

The Seattle Seahawks’ bid to upset the Chicago Bears in Sunday’s NFC divisional playoff game took a severe hit when tight end John Carlson went out early in the first quarter with a head injury.

Carlson was hurt on a clean hit by Bears safety Danieal Manning after catching a pass for a 14-yard gain.

Manning hit Carlson low as he ran to his left after making the catch, sending Carlson tumbling through the air. Carlson landed heavily on the right side of his helmet and his right shoulder.

It was announced in the Soldier Field press box that Carlson had sustained a head injury.

The Seahawks’ training and medical staff worked on Carlson for several minutes before he was placed on a stretcher and taken from the field on a cart.

Seattle already trailed, 7-0, when Carlson went out.

Carlson, in his third season from Notre Dame, had 31 catches in the regular season. He had two touchdown catches in last week’s wild card win over the Saints.

Mike O’Hara is a frequent contributor for FOX Sports Detroit.