Donovan Has Tracheostomy Removed After Head Injury

Mayville State player Matthew Donovan, injured September 19, is now receiving therapy at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals in Lincoln.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Football

Donovan Has Tracheostomy Removed After Head Injury

Matthew Donovan, who suffered a head injury on September 19 while playing for Mayville State, had his tracheostomy removed on Tuesday after about a month. He has been moved from Sanford Medical Center in Fargo to Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals, where he remains unable to speak.

Why it matters

The removal of his tracheostomy marks a step in Donovan's recovery from a serious head injury sustained during a college football game. His transfer to a rehabilitation facility in Lincoln reflects the ongoing, longer-term care his injury requires.

Donovan's tracheostomy, in place for roughly a month after his September 19 injury, was removed on Tuesday, and he is now receiving therapy at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals.

The players

Matthew Donovan

A Mayville State football player from La Crescent, Minnesota, who played high school football at Kasson-Mantorville and is recovering from a head injury.

Rocky Larson

The head coach of Mayville State's football program, who visited Donovan at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals with members of his coaching staff.

The details

Donovan was moved from Sanford Medical Center in Fargo to Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals, where he is receiving therapy. Mayville State head coach Rocky Larson and members of his coaching staff visited him at Madonna on Sunday.

September 19: Donovan suffers a head injury while playing for Mayville State.
About a month later: Donovan's tracheostomy is removed.
Tuesday: Tracheostomy removal is confirmed; Donovan continues therapy at Madonna.

Season Trajectory

Donovan's injury and recovery arrive amid ongoing scrutiny of head-injury management in NCAA Division II football, where athletes often face extended rehabilitation far from their home programs. His case illustrates how serious in-game trauma can reshape a player's season and future well beyond a single contest.

Donovan is not expected to be available to his team while he continues rehabilitation, and his absence affects Mayville State's roster planning for the remainder of the season. Fans following the program can track his status through team and medical updates as therapy progresses.

The takeaway

Serious head injuries in contact sports can require weeks of intensive medical care and extended rehabilitation, and recovery timelines are often measured in months rather than days. Following official team and medical updates is the most reliable way to track an athlete's progress.