Jets' Newman flies home with team after horrific injury

PITTSBURGH – Jets guard Xavier Newman flew back with the team after suffering a neck injury in the second half of the loss to Pittsburgh.

Newman left the field at Acrisure Stadium on a backboard and was taken to a Pittsburgh-area hospital. The tests conducted there came back negative, said Jets interim coach Jeff Ulbrich.

“Thank God the tests came back negative,” said Ulbrich. “He is traveling back with the team. This is a big relief.”

Newman was injured on an interception return by the Steelers in the Jets' 37-15 loss on Sunday night.

Beanie Bishop Jr. prevailed against Aaron Rodgers. As Bishop ran the ball back, Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen blocked Newman and knocked him off his feet and out of bounds.

Newman lay motionless on his back for several minutes while receiving medical attention. Teammates surrounded him, some kneeling, some standing. Finally a back panel was brought out. He was strapped to it and carted off the field.

The NBC broadcast reported that Newman was conscious and had movement in his limbs.

Newman entered the game late in the first half after starting right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker suffered an ankle injury. Vera-Tucker did not return.

Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after playing in the NBA for nearly two decades with the Knicks and Nets.