ATHENS — Devon Gales, the Southern University wide receiver who was seriously injured against Georgia this past Saturday, is now in Atlanta.

Gales was transferred on Wednesday from Athens Regional Medical Center to the Shepherd Center on Peachtree Road in Northwest Atlanta, according to a Southern University news release. The Shepherd Center is a world-renowned hospital known for the specialized treatment and rehabilitation for people with spinal cord and brain injuries and diseases.

Gales, 21, of Baton Rouge, La., sustained a spinal cord injury while playing on the kickoff return team for Southern University in a game against Georgia at Sanford Stadium this past weekend. It was determined Gales suffered “several fractures” in the neck and underwent surgery at ARMC this past weekend. He had remained at Athens Regional until Wednesday, when he was transported to the Shepherd Center.

Gales was admitted to Shepherd’s Spinal Cord Injury Unit for “evaluation, care and observation,” according to the school. On Thursday, “he will begin a rigorous rehabilitation program under the guidance of a full team of medical and rehabilitation specialists,” the school said.

Southern University established The Devon Gales Fund to accept donations for the long-term care Gales is expected to need. UGA and “the Bulldog Nation” has been especially generous with its time, resources and well-wishes, the school said.

“Gales and his family are appreciative for the outpouring of support from the Southern University and University of Georgia communities and others, but have requested privacy at this time,” the school said.