NFL addresses its handling of Josh Allen’s concussion check

Sep 27, 2020; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) jogs off the field following the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Bills Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

The NFL and NFLPA addressed concerns over the handling of a potential Josh Allen concussion during Week 5, and are once again defending the protocols.

Allen briefly left Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans after taking a big hit to the head during the fourth quarter. The hit was enough to put Allen into the concussion protocol, and he was checked by doctors on the sideline.

wow Josh Allen hit his head hard pic.twitter.com/jZINDo15vD

— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) October 6, 2024

Allen was ultimately cleared to return to the game, though some voiced a lot of concerns about the process that might have led to that. Former player and current analyst Emmanuel Acho shared a video in which he suggested Bills staffers gave Allen smelling salts to get him back into the game as quickly as possible.

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

In a statement issued Friday, the NFL and NFLPA jointly agreed that the concussion protocol was followed properly in Allen’s case. The statement said that all steps “were followed in the evaluation and clearance of Bills’ quarterback Josh Allen,” citing consultation with the league’s unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant and spotters.

Joint NFL-NFLPA statement says concussion protocol was properly followed last week with #Bills QB Josh Allen. pic.twitter.com/XZ2smT6Q9y

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 11, 2024

Allen was a full practice participant during the week and is set to suit up on Monday against the New York Jets.

The NFL and its teams have at times been criticized over their handling of head injuries, as was the case here. Ultimately, the protocol appears to have been followed in this case.