The NFL and NFLPA confirmed Friday that the Buffalo Bills followed the proper steps in the league’s concussion protocol while examining quarterback Josh Allen during Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans.
Allen briefly exited the game late in Buffalo’s 23-20 Week 5 loss to the Texans after his head slammed into the turf following a low tackle.
“The NFL and NFLPA have reviewed the reports from the Unaffiliated Neurotrauma Consultant and Booth Spotters and those reports confirm that the steps required by the concussion protocol were followed in the evaluation and clearance of Bills’ quarterback Josh Allen in last Sunday’s game,” the NFL and NFLPA said in a joint statement Friday.
“The protocol has been jointly developed and is jointly administered by the NFL and NFLPA. Under that program the parties jointly identify, retain and train the Unaffiliated Neurotrauma Consultants and Booth Spotters,” the statement continued.
Despite leaving the game to undergo an evaluation, Allen’s quick return from the medical tent and into the game after missing just one snap raised initial concerns. The two-time Pro Bowler went on to finish the contest and showed no signs of further injury, completing 9 of 30 pass attempts for 131 yards and one touchdown, while adding 54 rushing yards.
Allen will likely garner even more attention than usual in Week 6 as he looks to help the AFC East-leading Bills (3-2) snap a two-game losing streak against the rival New York Jets (2-3) during Monday Night Football.
