New Orleans Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey left Bank of America Stadium in an ambulance Sunday with injured ribs after scoring a touchdown on his 500th career catch.
Shockey caught a 7-yard TD pass from Drew Brees late in the first quarter before he was hit hard by the Carolina Panthers' Charles Godfrey. Shockey staggered to his feet, then walked to the Saints' locker room.
Just before halftime, Shockey was spotted walking from the locker room to the back of an ambulance while dressed in street clothes.
The Times-Picayune reported that Shockey returned to the stadium during the second half, with the hospital trip a precautionary measure. The newspaper also reported that Shockey's injury wasn't believed to be serious.
Saints coach Sean Payton said after the game that x-rays on Shockey's ribs were negative, the Times-Picayne reported.
The milestone catch gave Shockey 33 touchdowns in his nine-year NFL career.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
