Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph suffered a sickening double blow to the head and was forced off the field on Sunday.

The 24-year-old, from South Carolina, was hit from behind and in front almost at the same time as he collapsed to the ground unconscious.

Teammates were then seen appearing to shake him awake, with JuJu Smith-Schuster spotted crying on the pitch.

Unfortunately, as staff sought to remove him from the field, the medical cart appeared to break down - forcing the player to walk off the pitch, accompanied by teammates and staff.

Rudolph was subsequently diagnosed with concussion, despite appearing to say “I’m good, I’m good” as he was escorted off the field.

The NFL, responding to criticism over the cart malfunction, said medical staff ‘determined it was not necessary’.

A statement, via reporter Ian Rapoport, read: "A cart was brought on the field in the event it was needed. After evaluating the player, medical staff determined a cart was not necessary in this instance.

“Had one been needed, there was a backup cart on the other sideline which was immediately available.

“He received appropriate medical care per gameday protocols, and is now in the concussion protocol."

Featured from our writers

• Matthew Longstaff: 'Surreal' to score debut winner against Manchester United

• Manchester United two points above the relegation zone after defeat to Newcastle

• Wolves stun Man City, Chelsea smash Southampton and Arsenal edge Bournemouth