Bo Nix laments late pass that preceded injury that hospitalized WR Pat Bryant: 'I feel responsible because I threw it'

Denver Broncos wide receiver Pat Bryant was hospitalized after a hit in Sunday's 34-20 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars left him immobilized on a stretcher.

Broncos coach Sean Payton told reporters after the game that Bryant exhibited motion in his hands and legs. 9 News in Denver reported that Bryant was hospitalized for concussion-like symptoms, not neurological symptoms. Further details of Bryant's condition weren't clear in the immediate aftermath of the game.

Bo Nix: 'I feel responsible for it'

Broncos quarterback Bo Nix, meanwhile, lamented his pass that preceded the hit that left Bryant injured.

"You never want to see somebody in that situation," Nix said at the postgame podium. "I feel responsible because I threw it. You can say it's part of the game, but you just never want to see it. And we pray that he's OK."

Pass, hit took place after game's outcome was settled

The injury took place in the final minute of the game with the outcome already settled. With 39 seconds remaining and the Broncos trailing by two touchdowns deep in their own territory, Nix scrambled and threw a downfield pass over the middle to Bryant.

Bryant got his hands on the ball, but Jaguars safety Montaric Brown was lurking behind him. As Bryant attempted to catch the ball, Brown delivered a violent but clean hit to Bryant's shoulder.

Officials initially threw penalty flags but picked them up. Brown made clean contact with Bryant's torso and shoulder and did not hit him in the head or neck area.

Bryant remained down on the field after the hit for several minutes while receiving attention from medical trainers. Nix was visibly upset.

Jaguars players on the field took a knee, and Broncos players surrounded their teammate as he was immobilized on a stretcher and eventually placed on a cart.

When play resumed, the Broncos ran one more offensive play and let the play clock expire from there.

Bryant, 23, is a rookie who joined the Broncos as a third-round selection in April's NFL Draft. He's carved out a role in Denver's offense as the Broncos have taken control of the No. 1 seed in the AFC.

In 13 games prior to Sunday's, Bryant logged 22 catches for 305 yards and a touchdown. He tallied 5 catches for 42 yards against the Jaguars.

Despite the loss, the Broncos maintain control of the path to the No. 1 seed in the AFC. It was unclear after the game when or if Bryant would be able to return to the playing field this season.