This article details the remarkably swift progress of San Francisco 49ers’ quarterback Brock Purdy through the NFL concussion protocol, enabling him to start in Week 8 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Purdy’s journey through the protocol may well be the briefest this season.
An independent doctor granted clearance for Brock Purdy to participate in Sunday’s game, merely a day after he reported symptoms following the team’s previous game against the Vikings. This quick turnaround is perhaps the shortest duration spent in the NFL’s concussion protocol this year.
After Purdy’s complaint of symptoms on the flight back from their game against the Vikings, he likely entered the concussion protocol on Tuesday. Consequently, being released from the protocol by Saturday is an exceptional feat and may stand as one of the swiftest recoveries in the NFL this season.
It’s worth noting that the typical return from a concussion takes around nine days, with a quarter to a third of players returning within a week. This season, over a dozen players have exited the protocol in just one week.
Purdy sustained a head injury during a fourth-quarter quarterback sneak, courtesy of a helmet-to-helmet hit from Vikings linebacker Jordan Hicks. However, he was not evaluated for a concussion after the hit, and he went on to throw two interceptions in the 22-17 loss.
It’s essential to recognize that not every head blow triggers a concussion assessment; rather, it depends on the presence of symptoms or a doctor’s initiation. In Purdy’s case, because he didn’t exhibit immediate symptoms after the hit, the protocol wasn’t activated.
The NFL/NFLPA concussion protocol relies on independent medical professionals and trainers with expertise in diagnosing and treating concussions. They observe a player’s behavior following head contact to determine if further evaluation is necessary. Players, teammates, coaches, and officials also play a role in identifying individuals who need examination.
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan expressed optimism mid-week about Purdy’s chances of being cleared to play.
By Thursday, Purdy had advanced to step four of the five-step return-to-play protocol, which includes non-contact training drills. This phase involves cardiovascular, strength, and balance training, as well as sports-specific exercises and non-contact football activities. Neurocognitive and balance testing must be completed by the end of this phase, with results showing a return to the player’s baseline.
On Friday, he fully participated in practice with the team doctor’s clearance, and the final approval came on Saturday from an independent neurological consultant.
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