Auburn safety carried off field on backboard

Oct 31, 2009 - 5:35 PM AUBURN, Ala.(AP) -- Auburn safety Zac Etheridge was carried off the field on a backboard after a collision with teammate Antonio Coleman in the first quarter against Mississippi.

The two players banged helmets at the end of a running play Saturday. Etheridge appeared to have hurt his neck and was taken to a hospital for evaluation, but Auburn officials said he was able to move all his extremities.

Etheridge lay on the field for several minutes while both head coaches stood at midfield looking on. Auburn players knelt on the sidelines and on the field.

The safety was strapped to a backboard with his head immobilized, and flashed a thumbs-up as he was taken off the field and up a tunnel to a waiting ambulance.

Etheridge came into the game fourth on the team with 49 tackles.