Wade Phillips carted from field after sustaining hit by Chargers player

DENVER -- Broncos defensive coordinator Wade Phillips left the field in a cart after San Diego Chargers running back Melvin Gordon ran into him on the sidelines Sunday afternoon. He was treated and released from a local hospital. Despite Phillips taking a vicious hit for the second time in 11 games, the Broncos expect him back at work on Monday.

"It was odd. I have never see anything like that. We were just happy when we heard he was going to be OK," safety Darian Stewart said. 

The hit knocked Phillips -- a veteran defensive coordinator who helped lead the Broncos to the Super Bowl 50 victory last year -- over. Gordon collided with Phillips as the 69-year-old watched defensive back Bradley Roby intercept and run with an errant pass from San Diego quarterback Phillip Rivers. Roby returned that interception for a 51-yard touchdown.

Phillips was taken to a local hospital. According to the team, Phillips was alert and had movement in all extremities. The team announcement reflects what fans saw as medical staff carted him from the field on a backboard.  

While being driven to the locker room, Phillips waved both hands, giving fans a "Number 1" symbol. 

Phillips hit his head violently on the turf when he tumbled to the ground. He remained down for several minutes as the medical staff assessed his condition. Coach Gary Kubiak spoke with Phillips before he exited. Players on both sides of the ball could be seen kneeling in a sign of respect.

Linebackers coach Reggie Herring called the defensive plays in Phillips' absence.

Last year, a player knocked Phillips down during a game as well, but he remained on the sideline. 

Phillips isn't the only Broncos coach who has had trouble this year. Head coach Gary Kubiak left after the Broncos' loss to the Atlanta Falcons in an ambulance. He was diagnosed with a complex migraine condition. He then missed the Broncos' second loss of the season to the San Diego Chargers.