NC State quarterback Grayson McCall was carted off the field after taking a blow to the head following an interception in the first quarter of Saturday’s 34-30 loss to Wake Forest in Raleigh, N.C.

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

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

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

“He was ready to play and took a really bad hit,” Doeren said. “Sometimes football is a very violent sport at times, and that was a big hit that he took. I hate it for him. You just hate to see someone get hit like that. And of course the results of hits like that are frightening .”

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 reports from the hospital are positive,” said Doeren. “Once they finish going through all the testing, we will obviously have more information at that time.”

With just over five minutes left, McCall threw a pick and was hit by a pair of Wake defenders, dislodging his helmet and sending the quarterback to the grass.

NC State players immediately signaled for 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 Wolfpack players left the field in tears.

After a long delay, McCall was stretchered off the field. He held up two fingers to the crowd but otherwise kept his eyes covered as medical personnel led him into the tunnel.

No flags were thrown during the game.

Freshman CJ Bailey, who started each of the past two games against Clemson and Northern Illinois, came in to replace McCall. Bailey finished 28-for-42 passing for 272 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.