Los Angeles Chargers tight end Donald Parham (89) is taken off the field with an injury sustained in the first half against the Kansas City Chiefs at SoFi Stadium. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Chargers TE Donald Parham Jr. has concussion, will 'likely' leave hospital Friday

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 12/17/21

Los Angeles Chargers tight end Donald Parham Jr. was the key figure of a scary moment early into Thursday's prime-time overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. He appeared to be knocked out after he hit his head in the back of the end zone while attempting to catch what would've been a touchdown pass.

Donald Parham looks like he just got knocked out. pic.twitter.com/z9PoYNupLW
— Troy Machir (@TroyMachir) December 17, 2021

Parham was immobilized and stretchered off the field, but the Chargers offered a relatively positive update on the 24-year-old on Friday.

Update: Tight End Donald Parham Jr. stayed overnight at UCLA Harbor Medical Center for observation after being diagnosed with a concussion. He is resting comfortably, alert and will likely be discharged from the hospital later today.
— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) December 17, 2021

As ESPN and the Associated Press noted, medical personnel removed Parham's face mask from his helmet before placing him on the stretcher, and his arms seemed to shake as he was wheeled into the tunnel.

"It's the tough side of pro sports," Chargers coach Brandon Staley said after the game. "Any time you see that live and are close to it, it impacts you. But then at the same time, you know, we're trying to play for him the rest of the way, and that's what our guys did tonight. They laid it on the line and played a whale of a game for him."

A second-year pro, Parham has 20 catches for 190 yards and three touchdowns across 14 games this season. It's unknown when he'll be cleared for football activities, but such conversations take a back seat to his overall health and well-being.

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