Packers Linebacker Clay Matthews Hit in Face by Softball

Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews was hit in the face with a line drive during a charity softball game.

Matthews was pitching during Saturday's game when offensive lineman Lucas Patrick hit the ball directly into Matthews' face, knocking him to the ground:

Packers LB Clay Matthews takes a liner off the face pitching in the charity softball game at Fox Cities Stadium. Immediately left the field. Hope he's ok @WBAY pic.twitter.com/29aTvXkIc5

— Dave Schroeder (@SchroederWBAY) June 2, 2018

The Green Bay Press Gazette reports Matthews got up, covered his face with his glove, then walked to the dugout.

The linebacker took to Twitter Saturday, saying he'll need surgery but was relieved that things didn't turn out worse: 

Thank you for all the concern and well-wishes. I busted my nose pretty good and will have surgery once the swelling subsides. Thankful as it could have been much more serious 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

— Clay Matthews III (@ClayMatthews52) June 2, 2018

A spokesman for the Packers did not immediately return messages seeking more information, but according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Matthews suffered a broken nose, but no other damage: 

Additional tests came back all good. Clay Matthews has a broken nose, source said, and that’s it. Pretty fortunate. https://t.co/AB9HPIyamF

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 2, 2018

After the game, receiver Davante Adams said the situation was scary.

The Packers are in the middle of their organized team activity period. Matthews hasn't participated in OTAs because of a knee injury.