The thought crossed Dorian Gerald's mind on Aug. 31 that his football career might have come to an end.
The University of Arkansas defensive end, a junior-college transfer who had earned a starting role, came out of the game in a rush late in the first half with a big problem in his neck.
Trainers and medical staff gave him immediate attention to deal with an artery that had begun swelling.
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Gerald, appearing with the media Monday for the first time since suffering the season-ending injury, was asked whether he thought his football days were done.