Pat Surtain would have to pass these 5 protocols to play on Thursday

Broncos CB Pat Surtain has to clear the NFL’s five-step protocol before being cleared to play again after his concussion.

After suffering a concussion against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, Denver Broncos star cornerback Pat Surtain is considered a longshot to play against the New Orleans Saints on Thursday Night Football this week.

Surtain would have to quickly pass all five steps of the NFL’s return to participation protocol in order to play in Week 7. Briefly, those five steps are (1) Symptom Limited Activity, (2) Aerobic Exercise, (3) Football Specific Exercise, (4) Club-Based Non-Contact Training Drills and (5) Full Football Activity/Clearance.

If Surtain is not cleared in time to play against the Saints, Levi Wallace would be the most likely candidate to start in his place across from Riley Moss.

(Courtesy: NFL)

View the NFL’s full concussion protocol for returning to play below, courtesy of the league’s official website.

NFL Concussion Protocol Return to Play 

Phase One: Symptom Limited Activity

The player-patient is prescribed rest, limiting or, if necessary, avoiding activities (both physical and cognitive) which increase or aggravate symptoms. During this Phase, the player-patient may engage in activities of daily living as well as limited stretching and balance activities as tolerated at the discretion of the Club medical staff. Phase 1 may include LIGHT aerobic activity. Should additional medical issues present, the Club physician should consider external consultation or additional diagnostic examinations.

If the player-patient does not experience an increase in his symptoms and does not develop signs of concussion on neurological examination, he may be cleared to proceed to the next Phase.

Phase Two: Aerobic Exercise

Phase Two involves the initiation of a graduated exercise program. Under the direct oversight of the Club’s medical staff, the player-patient should begin graduated cardiovascular exercise (e.g., stationary bicycle, treadmill) and may also engage in dynamic stretching and balance training. The duration and intensity of all activity may be gradually increased so long as the player-patient does not increase or aggravate signs or symptoms while performing the activity and for a reasonable period thereafter. If there is any increase or aggravation of signs or symptoms, the activity should be discontinued. He may, however, attend regular team meetings and engage in film study.

Once the player-patient has demonstrated his ability to engage in cardiovascular exercise without an increase or aggravation of signs or symptoms, he may proceed to the next Phase.

Phase Three: Football Specific Exercise

The player-patient continues with supervised cardiovascular exercises that are increased and begin to mimic sport specific activities, as well as supervised strength training. The player-patient is allowed to practice with the team in sport specific exercise for 30 minutes or less, with ongoing and careful symptom monitoring by the medical staff. If neurocognitive testing was not administered after Phase Two, it should be administered during Phase Three. If a player-patient’s initial neurocognitive testing is not interpreted as back to baseline by the NPC, the tests will be repeated at a time interval agreed upon by the Club physician and NPC (typically 48 hours). The player-patient should not proceed to contact activities until their neurocognitive testing is interpreted as back to their baseline level by the NPC or, if a decrement is still present, until the Club physician has determined a non-concussion related cause. The determination of when to proceed with contact activities is ultimately made by the Club physician.

Once the player-patient has demonstrated his ability to engage in cardiovascular exercise and supervised strength training without an increase or aggravation of signs or symptoms, he may proceed to the next Phase.

Phase Four: Club-Based Non-Contact Training Drills

The player-patient may continue cardiovascular conditioning, strength and balance training, team-based sport-specific exercise, and participate in non-contact football activities such as throwing, catching, running and other position-specific activities, progressing to participation in non-contact team practice activities. To be clear, all activities at this Phase remain non-contact (i.e., no contact with other players or objects, such as tackling dummies or sleds).

If the player-patient is able to tolerate all football specific activity without a recurrence of signs or symptoms of concussion and his neurocognitive testing has returned to baseline, he may be moved to the next Phase in the sequence. For clarity; all signs, symptoms, and neurological examination (including neurocognitive testing and balance testing) must return to baseline status before returning to full football activity/clearance. Exceptions to the neurocognitive component may be considered by the Club physician responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of concussion (in consultation with the NPC) on a case-by-case basis in player-patients with documented ADHD or learning disabilities.

Phase Five: Full Football Activity/Clearance

After the player-patient has established his ability to participate in non-contact football activity 620 including team meetings, conditioning and non-contact practice without recurrence of signs and symptoms and his neurocognitive testing is back to baseline, the Club physician may clear him for full football activity involving contact in practice. If the player-patient tolerates full participation practice and contact without signs or symptoms and the Club physician concludes that the player-patient’s concussion has resolved, s/he may clear the player-patient to return to participation. For the avoidance of doubt, if a player-patient cannot participate in practice or full contact with other players due to the time of year and/or rules imposed by the Collective Bargaining Agreement, simulated contact activity will suffice to satisfy this Phase. Upon clearance by the Club physician, the player-patient must be examined by the INC assigned to his Club. The INC must be provided a copy of all relevant reports and tests, including the sideline and booth UNC reports, the Booth ATC Spotter report and team injury reports, and have access to video of the injury, where applicable, and the player-patient’s neurocognitive test results and interpretations. If the INC confirms the Club physician’s conclusion that the player-patient’s concussion has resolved, the player-patient is considered cleared and may participate in his Club’s next game or practice.

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Broncos coach Sean Payton gives brief injury update on Pat Surtain

“He’s in protocol [protocol],” Broncos coach Sean Payton said when asked about cornerback Pat Surtain.

Following the Denver Broncos’ 23-16 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, coach Sean Payton was asked if star cornerback Pat Surtain (concussion) would have any chance of playing against the New Orleans Saints on Thursday Night Football on Oct. 17.

“He’s in [concussion] protocol,” Payton said. “That’s — he’s in protocol.”

Payton was also asked if Surtain’s exit took some air out of the team on Sunday.

“I don’t know that — well, look, anytime you lose one of your top players, you’d have to ask the players [how they feel]. But I think that [it’s] kind of the next man up and here we go.

“Not having had a chance to look at film to tell you how the other guys played, I know we struggled just getting off the field defensively on third down. We did not do a number of things well today. That’s kind of where it is at.”

Cornerback Riley Moss said Surtain’s exit left a “dark cloud” over the team.

Surtain would have to clear the NFL’s five-step return to participation protocol in order to play against the Saints in Week 7. We will track any updates on the cornerback’s status on Broncos Wire.

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Chiefs DB Mike Edwards in concussion protocol after early exit vs. Bills

#Chiefs DB Mike Edwards is in concussion protocol after leaving Kansas City’s matchup against the #Bills in the first quarter.

The Kansas City Chiefs may be without veteran defensive back Mike Edwards for the remainder of their matchup against the Buffalo Bills after he exited the game with an injury.

Edwards took a nasty shot to the head while defending a pass from quarterback Josh Allen to receiver Stefon Diggs on the game’s first drive. He prevented a reception on the play but did not immediately come to his feet after tackling Diggs.

He eventually went to the sideline with Chiefs medical personnel and made his way to the locker room after being placed in concussion protocol.

Kansas City’s secondary has been bolstered by Edwards’ presence all season, and the loss of such an experienced member of their defense could cost the Chiefs dearly against Buffalo’s high-octane offense.

Fans should stay tuned to see if Edwards can return to the gridiron as Kansas City endeavors to punch its ticket to a sixth-consecutive AFC Championship Game.

Colts’ Mo Alie-Cox removed from Week 6 injury report

Mo Alie-Cox was removed from the Week 6 injury report.

Indianapolis Colts tight end Mo Alie-Cox cleared the concussion protocol and his questionable designation on the Week 6 injury report was removed, the team announced Saturday.

Alie-Cox made a quick turnaround this week after suffering a concussion during the Week 5 game against the Tennessee Titans. Assuming he’s active, Alie-Cox would be the first Colts player this season to play in a game immediately following a concussion.

Alie-Cox’s role has changed with the incoming coaching staff. He’s no longer considered the starter and has been usurped by second-year tight end Drew Ogletree.

Even so, he will likely remain as the No. 3 tight end if the Colts are comfortable putting him out on the field one week after sustaining a concussion.

In five games (three starts), Alie-Cox has recorded three receptions on five targets for 67 yards and a touchdown. He’s played 31% of the offensive snaps this season.

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QB Jimmy Garoppolo still in concussion protocol as Raiders begin prep to face Packers Week 5

Jimmy Garoppolo still in concussion protocol as Raiders begin prep to face Packers

Despite the surprise that Jimmy Garoppolo had suffered a concussion at some point in the Raiders’ Week three loss to the Steelers, the injury was clearly more significant than initially expected.

Not only did Garoppolo miss last week’s game in Los Angeles against the Chargers, but four days later, he’s still in the concussion protocol. Though Josh McDaniels sounds optimistic about his starting QB will be cleared soon.

“He’s still in (protocol), but he’ll be out there,” McDaniels said of Garoppolo’s attendance in practice Thursday. “He’ll be able to participate in the entire practice. It’s still in the final stages. But yes, he’ll be out there.”

This week’s practice schedule started a day later than usual because the Raiders play on Monday Night.

Garoppolo’s participation is not necessarily a sign he is ready to go. He was on the field for the final two practices last week and was ultimately ruled OUT against the Chargers, giving way to rookie Aidan O’Connell starting at QB in Los Angeles.

Tua Tagovailoa discusses his latest journey through NFL concussion protocol

Tua Tagovailoa talks about why his latest journey through the NFL’s concussion protocol was a bit different.

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered numerous concussions in his third season in the NFL. Each time he hit the ground, it would make national headlines.

During a Christmas Day game against the Green Bay Packers, Tagovailoa suffered a concussion that would ultimately take him out for the final few weeks of the regular season and the wildcard playoff game against the Buffalo Bills.

During media availability ahead of the Super Bowl, Tagovailoa spoke on his health and the concussion protocol for his latest head injury. He also explained why it appeared to be a never-ending process that went into the offseason.

Roll Tide Wire will continue to cover former Alabama players in the NFL as the 2023 offseason gets underway.

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Tua Tagovailoa remains in concussion protocol, will not participate in Pro Bowl festivities

Tua Tagovailoa remains in protocol from the Christmas Day concussion he suffered.

The NFL’s Pro Bowl Games will soon take place and Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will not be in attendance, despite being a first-alternate quarterback.

Tagovailoa will stay out of the games and remain in concussion protocol after suffering a concussion against the Green Bay Packers on Christmas Day.

ESPN’s Marcel Louis-Jacques reported on the former Alabama quarterback’s absence. He notes that it is not due to any delays, but the “deliberate progression through protocol.”

With the season over and multiple concussions under his belt, Tagovailoa’s health is being rightfully prioritized over the Pro Bowl Games.

Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow Tagovailoa and other former Alabama players in the NFL throughout the 2023 offseason.

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Tua Tagovailoa is back in concussion protocol

Tua Tagovailoa has re-entered concussion protocol a day after the Dolphins lost to the Packers on Christmas Day.

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has once again been placed in the NFL’s concussion protocol, according to head coach Mike McDaniel, after a late tackle against the Green Bay Packers on Christmas Day caused the back of his head to hit the ground with some force.

The former Alabama quarterback began the 2022 NFL season with a chip on his shoulder and played at a high level for most of the year.

Though he has been bitten by the injury bug throughout his college and NFL careers, the 2022 season brought forth a new issue for Tagovailoa: concussions.

In Week 3 against the Buffalo Bills, Tagovailoa took a late hit that forced him to fall back and hit his head on the ground. When he attempted to stand up, his legs were wobbly, and he initially had difficulty standing on his own. The decision to let him continue playing the rest of the game led to a controversial debate for that week.

One week later against the Cincinnati Bengals, Tagovailoa was slammed to the ground, causing him to lose motor function resulting in the quarterback needing to be carted off the field and taken to a local hospital. He missed multiple weeks while recovering.

On Monday, one day after the loss to the Packers, Tagovailoa was placed in the NFL’s concussion protocol, leaving his status for Sunday’s must-win game against the New England Patriots up in the air.

The Dolphins currently hold the seventh seed in the AFC playoff race, but what’s most important for the team is to ensure Tagovailoa’s health and safety.

Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow Tagovailoa’s journey to recovery as more information becomes available.

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Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa back in concussion protocol

The Dolphins say Tua Tagovailoa is back in concussion protocol

The Miami Dolphins have lost four straight games and now they have to hope they won’t be without starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa when they New England Patriots on Sunday.

Tagovailoa, coming off a poor game on Christmas against the Green Bay Packers, is back in concussion protocol, coach Mike McDaniel said Monday.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter speculated on social media this could be the play that landed Tagovailoa in protocol.

Tagovailoa went through a scary patch earlier in the season when he was injured against the Buffalo Bills but continued to play.

He then suffered a severe concussion when sacked by the Cincinnati Bengals.

Teddy Bridgewater is the backup QB in Miami.

 

Broncos injuries: Russell Wilson still in concussion protocol

“His safety is by far the No. 1 most important thing,” Broncos coach Nathaniel Hackett said of QB Russell Wilson.

The Denver Broncos returned to the practice field on Wednesday without quarterback Russell Wilson, who remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol.

“We’re going to do everything the way that the medical doctors say — the independent doctors,” coach Nathaniel Hackett said of Wilson’s status on Monday. “We’re going to do every single thing. His safety is by far the No. 1 most important thing. We’ll continually talk to him — and to everybody else — about that and make sure we do the right thing.”

Hackett was asked Monday if there’s a possibility that Wilson might not play this week even if he does clear the protocol.

“Right now, we’re just concerned for his safety,” the coach said. “We want to make sure that he’s healthy. We’ll take that day-by-day and continually talk to our medical team and to Russell.”

If Wilson does not play against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, Brett Rypien will start in his place.

Elsewhere on the injury front, outside linebacker Jacob Martin (knee) was placed on injured reserve, ending his season. Meanwhile, fellow pass rusher Randy Gregory (knee) returned to practice Wednesday, giving him a chance to play against the Arizona Cardinals later this week.

Denver’s complete Wednesday injury report will be added below when it becomes available later today.

The Broncos will practice again on Thursday and Friday before releasing a final injury report with game statuses for Sunday.

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