Josh Allen returns after head injury vs Texans; Buffalo Bulls face intense fan backlash over concussion protocols

The Buffalo Bills faced intense criticism from both fans and analysts after quarterback Josh Allen was cleared to return to Sunday’s game, even though he appeared to suffer a significant head injury.

With just over six minutes left in the fourth quarter, Allen was tackled around the legs by a Houston Texans defender as he scrambled out of the pocket, launching a deep pass. The 28-year-old’s head hit the ground hard, and he seemed momentarily knocked out.

Fans rage online over Bill’s management of Josh Allen’s injury

After the Bills’ 23-20 loss, Allen spoke to reporters, explaining that trainers initially checked him for a rolled ankle and a chest hit before flagging him for a concussion assessment.

“Big shot to the chest. Rolled my ankle,” he explained. “They flagged me for hitting my head, but felt good enough to go back in.”

Bills head coach Sean McDermott shared a similar view during his post-game remarks, stating:

“Josh is a warrior. Took a pretty good hit out there, and came back for his team and his teammates.”

“Josh is a warrior. Took a pretty good hit out there, and came back for his team and his teammates.”

This is what Sean McDermott had to say about Josh Allen returning to the game after the hit that appeared to potentially, momentarily knock him out.

— Lindsay Rhodes (@lindsay_rhodes) October 6, 2024

Following the game, social media exploded with criticism, condemning the Bills for putting Allen back in despite the injury scare. Sports medicine physician Dr. Jesse Morse wrote on X,

“Josh Allen appears to have SUFFERED A CONCUSSION, they gave him SMELLING SALTS then allowed him to return to the game.”

“This should be a HUGE PENALTY and VERY risky for Josh Allen’s health. He could have suffered another concussion which could have caused second impact syndrome, which can be deadly.”

FOX Sports 1’s Emmanuel Acho raised similar concerns, stating:

“We all saw Josh Allen seemingly get knocked out, yet they just threw him a smelling salt and right back into the game. As if that was going to undo any head trauma he just suffered.”

We all saw Josh Allen seemingly get knocked out, yet they just threw him a smelling salt and right back into the game. As if that was going to undo any head trauma he just suffered. 🤦🏾‍♂️ https://t.co/E4VqSghsLv pic.twitter.com/LNydTMPgm2

— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) October 6, 2024

NFL analyst Chase Daniel added,

“If they let Josh Allen back into the game after he clearly smashed his head on the turf then the entire concussion process is flawed. He looked like he was out.”

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Josh Allen and Bills’ offense struggles despite close score

Despite the narrow scoreline, the Bills’ performance wasn’t as close as it appeared. They managed to rally from a 17-point deficit in the third quarter, tying the game with 3:18 remaining, but their first-half offense was dreadful yet again. Like last week’s ugly loss to the Baltimore Ravens, Josh Allen had trouble connecting with his receivers, attempted to carry the team singlehandedly, and took a severe hit.

Allen’s offensive line, his receivers, and offensive coordinator Joe Brady didn’t offer much support. In Baltimore, Brady’s play call exposed Allen to a brutal hit on a trick play. Josh Allen also struggled with decision-making in key moments during recent games.

At the post-game press conference, Allen looked visibly worn out. Blood seeped through his white leggings near his right knee. He mentioned that he twisted his ankle while desperately scrambling to avoid a third-down sack by defensive tackle Mario Edwards. He then returned to the field after a very brief examination. For those who are wondering, here’s how a player returns to the ground after a concussion report.

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How does a player return to the ground after a concussion?

Under the NFL’s protocol, when a player is taken out for a suspected concussion, they must follow a five-phase return-to-play program.

1. Symptom-limited activity: The player is advised to rest and avoid activities that could worsen symptoms. They may begin light stretching and balance exercises, with athletic trainers supervising. If this goes well, they can progress to light aerobic exercises and participate in meetings and film study.
2. Aerobic exercise: Supervised by team staff, the player gradually increases cardiovascular activity, such as using a stationary bike or treadmill, along with stretching and balance exercises.
3. Football-specific exercise: The player continues with supervised cardio and begins sport-specific drills and strength training exercises.
4. Non-contact training drills: The player engages in cardiovascular, strength, and balance training, as well as team-based, non-contact football activities.
5. Full football activity/clearance: The team doctor clears the player for full-contact football activities. An independent neurological consultant must also confirm that the player’s concussion has fully resolved. If both agree, the player may return to practice or the next game.