Football

Source says Thomas recovering well after frightening collision

Syracuse strong safety Shamarko Thomas was “feeling good” one day after he was part of a brutal collision with Pittsburgh tight end J.P. Holtz, a source close to Thomas told The Daily Orange on Saturday.

The source also said the SU medical staff had not yet given Thomas a diagnosis of any potential injuries.

Thomas and Holtz made helmet-to-helmet contact on a passing play late in the second half of SU’s 14-13 win over the Panthers, and Thomas was left motionless on the field for several minutes. The collision knocked Thomas’ helmet off and spun him around almost 360 degrees.

Immediately, Thomas’ teammates as well as several Pittsburgh players went down on one knee, and some bowed their heads in prayer. The entire sideline behind the Syracuse bench rose instantly as Thomas and Holtz made contact, and spectators remained standing until Thomas was helped up.

He was able to walk off the field under his own power.



After the game, SU head coach Doug Marrone said he had no update on Thomas’ status because he had not yet spoken with the trainers.

“I just made sure it wasn’t anything drastic — something really bad,” Marrone said.





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