This is why mascots shouldn’t play football.
Poe, the Ravens’ mascot, was carted off the field during a mascot versus youth football team game at halftime of Baltimore’s 17-15 preseason-finale win over the visiting Washington Commanders on Saturday night at M&T Bank Stadium.
The mascot, who had to have his left leg stabilized, had to be lifted into the cart by three people.
Many weren’t originally sure Poe, who laid on the field nearly five minutes, was hurt because pro sports mascots are often known for their funny antics. But it turned out to be serious as Ravens coach John Harbaugh walked onto the field and checked on the mascot.
Poe’s injury nearly delayed the game as the mascot was taken off the field about a minute before the start of the third quarter.
According to ESPN.com, it was a surprisingly rough game between the mascots and youth football players. One of the players got shoved off his feet by a Bear mascot as he tried to get into the end zone.
But apparently the show must go on.
A replacement Poe emerged midway through the third quarter, which drew cheers as the substitute gave fans high-fives.