Columbus resident gets injured on 'Survivor.' Did he leave the show?

Spoiler alert! Scroll down to see who was voted off this week.

Columbus resident Matthew Grinstead-Mayle sustained a major injury and Cincinnati native Josh Wilder lost an immunity challenge on the fifth episode of "Survivor," which aired on CBS and Paramount+ Wednesday. Who went home?

Columbus Dispatch features editor Erica Thompson and Cincinnati Enquirer News of Now reporter Emily DeLetter recap the episode below.  

Emily: The episode starts with the Tika tribe in the aftermath of the vote to get out Sarah. Cincinnati native Josh Wilder remains mostly quiet as an argument between Carolyn and Yam Yam breaks out. Josh tells us he was glad he used his immunity idol and saved himself, and I have to agree. As always, Carolyn is a delight to watch and a natural for TV, all while she tells us it’s probably best for her game to stick with her alliance with Josh. 

'Survivor' 44 episode one:Injuries, new advantages and a chaotic Tribal Council

'Survivor' 44 episode two:Columbus and Cincinnati players go head-to-head in challenge

Columbus 'Survivor' player Matthew Grinstead-Mayle's injury gets worse

Erica: I believe Carolyn is on a path to iconic status within the world of “Survivor.” She’s quickly becoming one of my favorite players—after the Ohio guys, of course. 

Speaking of which, Columbus resident Matthew Grinstead-Mayle's shoulder injury appears to be getting worse. It’s so tough to watch; he’s in so much pain, but he doesn’t want to give up on his dream. I appreciated both Kane and Carson, who is new to the Ratu tribe, providing him with some encouraging words. Carson is definitely one we need to keep our eye on, too. He’s doing a terrific job building trust with his new tribe members. He may end up going far. 

Meet Josh Wilder:Cincinnati native talks 'Survivor' 44

Emily: I really like Danny on the Soka tribe, and Jaime seems to be fitting in pretty well after switching from Ratu. Although she hasn’t caught on to the showmance between Matt and Franny, so we’ll see if that means danger for her or not. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, but showmances are the worst idea in the history of ideas on “Survivor.” You’re an easy target! 

Back at Tika, Yam Yam is trying to make amends with Josh, who doesn’t seem to be very receptive. Neither Josh nor Yam Yam feel safe, and both are making plans to help with his longevity in the game—with Josh lying about having another immunity idol in his pocket. 

Erica: However, moments later (at least according to the TV edit), they bond over their experiences as members of the LGBTQ community. I really appreciated the conversation, but I also know it’s part of Yam Yam’s strategy to get Josh on his side. At this point, he’s hoping Josh would vote out Carolyn, should they go back to Tribal Council. I’m just glad Josh seems to be in a more powerful position now.  

'Survivor' 44 episode three:One Ohio player wins immunity, another becomes a target

'Survivor' 44 episode four:An Ohio player makes some mistakes

Cincinnati 'Survivor' player Josh Wilder's tribe loses immunity

Emily: Thank goodness Matthew is sitting out this challenge. The obstacle course requires agility and easy maneuverability, two things Matthew doesn’t have with his injury. All three teams are pretty well-matched through the challenge, and it comes down to Yam Yam and Josh, Danny and Matt, and Carson and Brandon pairing up to finish a balancing puzzle.  

The Ratu tribe is safe another day, winning the first immunity. Soka wins the second immunity, and Carolyn, Josh and Yam Yam in the Tika tribe are headed back to tribal council again. They just can’t catch a break! 

Erica: I’m really hoping Yam Yam truly believes Josh’s immunity idol is real—especially since Carolyn, along with Danny and Brandon, is headed off on another journey and may get an advantage. That would only increase her power, as she already has an immunity idol in hand.  

Before we can get to the journey, we witness Matthew meeting with the doctor. He may have a tear in his shoulder. Because he’s in so much pain, he has to decide whether to stay in the game or leave. My heart is breaking, but I’ll understand if he makes the decision to go home. 

Women players should not be underestimated on 'Survivor'

Emily: Back at Tika, Josh and Yam Yam are talking strategy. Josh is still playing the fake idol card, and Yam Yam is ready to throw Carolyn under the bus. With only three people on the tribe, anyone could turn on anyone, and that creates a really interesting dynamic. Carolyn is gone on the journey and could come back with any advantage, idol or disadvantage (like losing her vote). 

But luckily for Carolyn (and Brandon and Danny,) the journey is simply to enjoy a nice lunch in a covered area away from the sun and heat. But what are the odds their tribe members back at the beach believe they didn’t come back with any advantages?  

Meet Matthew Grinstead-Mayle‘The hardest part was the cold.’ Columbus ‘Survivor’ contestant talks island life, more

Erica: I’m so happy they went back to basics and encouraged the players to engage in conversation rather than games for more advantages. However, my positive mood is fading as Brandon and Danny form a great bond and dismiss Carolyn! Also, Brandon is very rude, telling her she hasn’t proven herself. Meanwhile, she already found a real immunity idol, planted a fake immunity idol, and blindsided Yam Yam! I can’t wait for Brandon to eat his words.  

We’ve lost so many women already this season. I’m tired of the men marginalizing the women.  

Emily: I’m right here with you. I’m ready to see a guy (not either of our hometown players) get their torch snuffed.  

At the lunch, Carolyn overheard Danny and Brandon discuss interest in aligning with Josh in the future to keep the muscle together. She doesn’t like that, and is now gunning for Yam Yam to vote out Josh. “A meat brigade,” as Josh called it. 

Josh played his cards and showed his fake idol, but Yam Yam immediately clocked the fake idol is made from the beads at the "tree mail" station, and Carolyn noticed the idol note is exactly the same as last time. I’m cringing.  

Spoiler alert: Who got voted off on 'Survivor' season 44, episode five?

Erica: I just went through a million different emotions! I was just preparing for Josh to likely go home, especially since they went into his incredible backstory of overcoming his childhood medical condition. (The touching backstory is often a signal that it’s the end.) 

 But Jeff visits the trio and informs them that our dear Matthew decided to exit the game, due to his injury. So, that means Tika does not have to go to Tribal Council. One Ohio guy lives to see another week, another one sees his journey come to an end. Rats!  

So, unfortunately, this will be our final joint recap. I’ll be watching and rooting for Josh and Cincinnati.  

Emily: I’m devastated for Matthew, and also glad for Josh’s survival. That’s the duality of “Survivor.” I’m also sad to see the end of our joint watch and wish it could've gone to the end of the season! 

Erica: Same! Good luck to you and Josh!  

ethompson@dispatch.com

@miss_ethompson

edeletter@gannett.com

@EmilyDeLetter