Florida State football released a positive update on injured Seminole Ethan Pritchard: he has been released from Tallahassee Memorial Hospital and is now being transferred to a rehabilitation center in Jacksonville.

The freshman linebacker had been hospitalized since being shot in the back of the head on August 31 while driving a family member home. The incident has been described by officials as a case of mistaken identity.

FSU's announcement on Thursday described Pritchard as "alert, responsive, and able to communicate."

The news is all the more positive given that it was just on September 14 that Pritchard opened his eyes for the first time since the shooting. 

In the weeks since being hospitalized, FSU head coach Mike Norvell has visited Pritchard regularly and maintained daily communication with Pritchard's family. Seminole players have worn wristbands and t-shirts on gamedays in honor of their teammate.

After FSU beat East Texas A&M - their first game after Pritchard's hospitalization - Norvell presented Pritchard's father with the game ball to give to his son.

Earl Pritchard released a statement through FSU.

"There have been so many ups and downs over these last 39 days, and it is remarkable that Ethan and I were able to leave the hospital together today," he said. "Coach Norvell has checked in every day and has been a constant presence visiting us here at the hospital, and his players and staff have continued to make us feel part of the team. I can't fully express how much those moments have meant to me and Ethan."

FSU expressed gratitude for the public support of their injured player during his recovery.

"This remarkable milestone has been achieved under the supervision of medical staff from TMH, Tallahassee Neurological Clinic, Southern Medical Group and Tallahassee Orthopedic Clinic in consultation with Florida State's Sports Medicine staff," the statement said. "We are thankful for the efforts, thoughts and prayers of so many people and ask that you continue to support Ethan and his family as this process continues."

Florida State returns to action this weekend, hosting the Pitt Panthers in Tallahassee. 

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