Davante Adams says late-game hit was to chest, no concussion diagnosed

The Green Bay Packers on Sunday trailed by one point with just 37 seconds left when the San Francisco 49ers kicked off to the Packers’ offense, and Aaron Rodgers proceeded to string together a miraculous possession — thanks in large part to 2020 first team All-Pro Davante Adams.

Rodgers on Sunday had no timeouts and under 40 seconds to score in any capacity from the Packers’ own 25-yard line. First, Rodgers connected with Adams for a 25-yard gain, with Adams bringing the offense to the 50-yard line. After a time-conserving spike and an incomplete pass, Rodgers found Adams — again — on third-and-10 for a 17-yard gain, bringing the Green Bay Packers’ offense to the 33-yard line. Rodgers then spiked it again, and he put the game in kicker Mason Crosby’s hands; Crosby nailed the field goal from 51 yards out, giving the Packers a 30-28 victory.

Adams’ late-game heroics were even more impressive considering his state late in the game. Shortly before the comeback — in the early stages of the fourth quarter — Adams was dealt a hard hit by 49ers safety Jimmie Ward, which left the Packers’ star wide receiver laying on the field.

“It wasn’t a concussion,” Adams clarified after the win on Sunday. “On the sideline, they evaluated and saw right away. I was straight. More than anything on the ground was my chest, having trouble catching a breath, but definitely good now.”

Rodgers should be grateful there wasn’t a major injury. Adams, after staying in the same position in which he landed, waited for medical attention after the hit. He reassured fans after the game that the hit did not provide any significant head injuries, and he said there wasn’t any concussion — instead, he was having difficulties breathing. Adams said the hit resulted in a chest-related issue, which he then sorted out with Packers’ medical personnel, returning to the game just one play later.

“What a competitor, man,” Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said of Adams. “And then to go out there [after the hit] and have two big catches in the final 2-minute drive, he is the ultimate competitor. I think he is the best receiver in the National Football League, and I think he shows it on a weekly basis.”

Adams finished the game as Rodgers’ favorite target, and it was hardly a close contest. Rodgers completed 23 passes, 12 of which found their way into Adams’ hands. He turned the 12 receptions in for 132 receiving yards and a touchdown, including two huge gains when the Packers needed it most.

“Well, how I’m able to get through it is I’m different. That’s probably the main thing,” Adams said. “I’ve dealt with a lot of stuff like that and just the mental toughness to get in there.