Walker Zimmerman Released from Hospital After Suffering Head Injury in MLS Match

Nashville SC captain Walker Zimmerman has been released from the hospital after receiving medical care for an apparent head injury suffered during Saturday night's 2-1 loss at Charlotte FC, a team spokesperson confirmed to The Athletic's Melanie Anzidei.

Zimmerman was hit in the face with a bicycle kick by Charlotte forward Kerwin Vargas while attempting to clear the ball from the box during the 72nd minute of Saturday's match.

He fitted with a neck brace and stretchered off the pitch before being briefly hospitalized.

Nashville coach BJ Callaghan said after the loss that Zimmerman was "responsive and in stable condition" at a nearby hospital, per SixOneFive Soccer's Valair Shabilla.

"Everything is being handled by the medical professionals," Callaghan said earlier Saturday, per the Nashville Tennessean's Jacob Shames. "We'll let that process take place. He's under good care."

Callaghan also said he did not know if Zimmerman lost consciousness after suffering the injury, per Shames.

Vargas received a yellow card after the collision, while Jeisson Palacios made his Nashville SC and MLS debut when he subbed in to replace Zimmerman.

Nashville SC led 1-0 when Zimmerman left the game, but ultimately lost due to Charlotte's 85th-minute penalty kick and 90th-minute game-winning goal.

Zimmerman is playing in his 13th MLS season and sixth campaign with Nashville SC. He has also made 44 career appearances for the USMNT and is a candidate to make the United States roster for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The two-time MLS Defender of the Year had played every minute of Nashville SC's first six games of the season heading into Saturday.