How does NFL concussion protocol work? Explaining league's in-game evaluation process

The 2024 NFL season is fast approaching but there's still a lot of talk around the league's concussion protocols. On Saturday, Pittsburgh Steelers rookie linebacker Payton Wilson entered the concussion protocols after getting hit in the Week 2 preseason game against the Buffalo Bills.

Wilson exited the game in the third quarter and did not return. There were doubts about the seriousness of his injury, but the player returned to training with the Steelers on Thursday, after clearing the concussion protocols.

Following Wilson's return to practice, fans have been curious to learn more about how the league's concussion protocols work.

In general, a concussion protocol refers to the steps a player needs to take to return to play after a concussion. Here, we'll delve deeper into the league's evaluation process in its concussion protocol.

A glimpse into the NFL's in-game evaluation process for concussion protocol

NFL: Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins (Source: Imagn)

When a player gets hit in a game and shows symptoms of a concussion, the protocol is initiated by the AT spotters, who alert the team's medical personnel. The player is then called or helped towards the sideline and examined for a concussion.

The procedure begins with a player being evaluated for any concussion 'no-go' symptoms. These symptoms include loss of consciousness, gross motor instability, confusion, amnesia, fencing response, impact seizure or ataxia.

The inspections also delve into the player's concussion history, or other symptoms involving a focused neurological exam. If the player shows any 'no-go' symptoms, he is not allowed to return to the field.

Furthermore, if a player is showing symptoms of a concussion, he needs to undergo an exam by a team doctor or an unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant or athletic trainer. If the findings show that the player has a concussion, the examiners initiate the protocol.

The player must then undergo a neurological exam followed by a periodic evaluation. The medical team also determines the duration of the protocol. Players are not allowed to train or return to play during that time.

Only once a player clears the concussion protocols can he return to training or play in an NFL game.