NC State quarterback Grayson McCall was carted off the field after suffering a blow to the head following an interception in the first quarter of Saturday's 34-30 loss to Wake Forest in Raleigh, North Carolina

McCall was taken to a nearby hospital but later released after NC State announced that the quarterback was “alert and in good spirits.” According to the team, all scans were normal.

McCall made his first start after missing the last two games for the Wolfpack due to a concussion.

After the game, coach Dave Doeren said McCall passed all concussion protocols before the Wake game and was cleared to play.

“He was ready to play and took a really big hit,” Doeren said. “Sometimes football is a very violent sport and that was a big blow that he took that is scary.”

McCall has a history of concussions, including a serious head injury last season while playing at Coastal Carolina that ended his season — and nearly his career.

“All feedback from the hospital is positive,” Doeren said. “Once all the testing is complete, we will obviously have more information at that point.”

With just over five minutes left, McCall threw a pick and was hit by two Wake defenders, causing his helmet to slip off and sending the quarterback to the turf.

NC State players immediately called medical personnel after McCall was hit. Athletic trainers brought out a stretcher, cut off McCall's jersey and fitted him with a neck brace as the Wolfpack players left the field in tears.

After a long delay, McCall was carried off the field. He stuck two fingers up at the crowd but otherwise kept his eyes covered as medical personnel escorted him into the tunnel.

No flags were thrown during the game.

Freshman CJ Bailey, who started the last two games against Clemson and Northern Illinois, came in for McCall. Bailey finished the game completing 28 of 42 passes for 272 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.