Memphis football linebacker Chris Gore recovering after spinal cord injury

Chris Gore, a freshman linebacker on the Memphis football team, is recovering from a serious spinal cord injury, coach Ryan Silverfield said Tuesday.

The 6-foot-2, 215-pound Gore suffered a fractured C5 vertebrae while attempting to make a tackle during a live scrimmage on April 1, according to Silverfield. Gore has undergone two successful surgeries since getting hurt, has been discharged from the hospital and visited the Tigers on Tuesday, Silverfield said.

"He's doing well," the fourth-year Memphis coach said. "Obviously, he's got a long road to recovery. But he was up here today, smiling. So it (was) nice to have him back in our building. We're all rooting for Chris to continue to improve his health."

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Gore, who is listed as a walk-on by 247 Sports, posted a 34-second video clip on Twitter on April 3. In the video, he stands and takes several steps with some assistance from medical personnel.

"First steps since surgery. All the glory to God," Gore tweeted. "Thankful for my trainers quick action and the continued support from my coaches and teammates."

Silverfield also praised the program's medical staff for their rapid response when the injury occurred.

"It was a clean tackle during a live play, and Chris did the tackle the way we teach," said Silverfield. "He immediately went down to the ground. Really credit to our medical staff, our trainers, strength coaches, everybody that was involved. They were immediately on top of it and handled it with great precaution."

The Tigers are 10 practices into their 15-practice spring camp, which culminates with the annual "Friday Night Stripes" spring game (7 p.m., April 21, Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium).

Reach sports writer Jason Munz at jason.munz@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter @munzly.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis football LB Chris Gore recovering after spinal cord injury