The New York Jets could be down their top receiver against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 9.
Garrett Wilson is in the NFL's concussion protocol, head coach Aaron Glenn announced at his press conference on Nov. 4. Glenn confirmed that the head injury came at the end of the Jets' Week 8 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders and that Wilson was placed into the protocol on Nov. 2.
Wilson was targeted 12 times in the losing effort, hauling in six catches for 83 yards. The Jets had made an effort to work Wilson into the offense more after a season-low three targets in the team's Week 7 loss to the Miami Dolphins.
The receiver's workload became a major topic of discussion in the aftermath of that game, which also seemingly sparked a heated sideline moment.
With
just days left before the Week 9 contest, it's unclear if Wilson will be able to get through the protocol in time.
Here's the latest.
Garrett Wilson injury update
Wilson is in the NFL's concussion protocol, Glenn announced.
The timing of the situation puts his availability in question for Week 9. New York's offense has dealt with countless injuries this season, losing Breece Hall, Omar Cooper Jr. and Adonai Mitchell for extended periods.
Wilson has been the mainstay, playing in every game for the Jets.
If he can't suit up in Week 9, the Jets will rely primarily on Cooper and Mitchell at receiver. Isaiah Williams and Tim Patrick would be candidates to receive some extra work in the offense.
What is concussion protocol in the NFL?
The NFL's concussion protocol is designed to ensure a player's safety after suffering a head injury. It's a five-step process that a player has to clear before they can return to play. Those steps are, as defined by the NFL:
- Symptom-limited activity
- Aerobic exercise
- Football-specific exercise
- Club-based non-contact training drills
- Full football activity/clearance
Before a player enters the protocol, they are evaluated on the sideline. The tests are conducted by the team's physician and an unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant. The evaluation includes observing any "no-go" symptoms, which are things like loss of consciousness, confusion, amnesia and more, in addition to history of concussions, other signs/symptoms and video review.
At that point, a neurological exam is conducted and the player is escorted to the locker room if the sideline evaluation leaves any doubt.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jets' Garrett Wilson in concussion protocol, putting Week 9 availability in doubt
