Minnesota Vikings star Harrison Phillips said he'll be praying for team-mate Lewis Cine's recovery after the rookie suffered a broken leg in Sunday's win over the New Orleans Saints.
Cine was stretchered off the field while receiving oxygen following a collision early in the game, which saw his leg planted into the ground while his body twisted the opposite way.
Such was the nature of the injury, NFL Network declined to show any replays, though the sickening images were shown on media screens inside the press box. Even Cine's own team-mates managed to avoid seeing replays, however, as Phillips explained post-game.
Speaking to Mirror Sport , the defensive tackle said he hadn't seen the incident, but wanted to send his best wishes to his team-mate.
Phillips said: "I didn't see it - fortunately I guess as that stuff always pulls on my heartstrings. I'll be praying for Lewis, and hopefully he'll have a speedy recovery."
It was later confirmed by the Vikings that Cine had suffered a "significant ankle fracture", and would remain in hospital for treatment. The rookie safety had been taken to a local hospital straight away.
The Vikings went on to secure a dramatic late win thanks to kicker Greg Joseph, who put up 16 points from kicks alone thanks to five field goals. Joseph kicked a 47-yard field goal with just 29 seconds in the game, giving the Vikings a lead of three points.
But the Saints, who had seen kicker Wil Lutz kick a 60-yard attempt, managed to get into position to tie the game with just two seconds left.
Remarkably, however, his 61-yard effort crashed off the post and crossbar before dropping out, giving the Vikings the win.
And speaking afterwards, Phillips joked the football gods were smiling on his team, while heaping praise on the offensive line for securing the lead.
"The field goal, man, defence made enough of a stop to make it a really difficult field goal, and, you know, the ball bounced our way, the football gods were looking out for us.
"To celebrate like we did, to have our kicker make the field goal the way he did, it was definitely an exciting ending."
