How many games could Malik Nabers miss with a concussion? NFL concussion protocol explained
Malik Nabers continued to astound in his rookie season for the Giants against the Cowboys in Week 4 of the 2024 NFL season as he racked up 115 yards in 12 carries and showed off some moves that left defenders flat-footed. However, his night ended in a rather tragic manner as he was taken off the field with a concussion. Here is what it means for the wide receiver and New York fans.
Malik Nabers concussion: How Giants WR got hit
With the Giants trailing 20-15 in the fourth quarter, Daniel Jones scrambled out of his pocket and threw toward the sidelines where Malik Nabers attempted to make a catch and go out of bounds to stop the clock and preserve some time to mount a comeback. In trying to catch the football and get both his feet inbounds, he managed to fall face-first into the turf, banging his head and immediately going limp.
As the referees called it an incomplete pass as the ball came loose, it became immediately clear that Malik Nabers was in trouble. He was eventually taken to the blue tent on the sidelines and he walked off on his own power, but he did not return to the game. Concussion was immediately suspected and later confirmed.
NFL’s concussion protocol explained
Malik Nabers will now be entering the concussion protocol. There is no set timeline for his return but there are certain steps that he has to follow before he can be back on the field again. The first part happens during the game and involves "no-go" symptoms like loss of consciousness, gross motor instability, confusion, amnesia, fencing response, impact seizure, and ataxia.
Additionally, history of concussions, video evidence, and response to questions are other factors considered on the sideline. There is a focused neurological exam on the sideline before the footballer is taken to the locker room and again evaluated by the team physician and the unaffiliated neurological consultant.
The Giants receiver failed one of these tests, so he was not allowed back in the game. Therefore, he must go through a five-step process to convince league observers that he is fit to return, known as the "Return-to-Participation Protocol."
The first phase is symptom-limited activity. This is the cautionary phase where the player is limited in what activities they can do as long as they are diagnosed as exhibiting the symptoms of a concussion.
The next step is aerobic exercise. At this stage, Malik Nabers will be allowed to resume light exercises such as cardio and stretching. During this period, team medical staff will supervise and test the player for balance.
After clearing the above stage, the third phase is football-specific exercises. At this point, the player is expected to take heavier loads when doing cardio exercises. They are also allowed to return to the team but are limited to 30 minutes under medical supervision.
Club-based non-contact training drills follow in the fourth phase. A player can now practice skill sets important to their specific position. For Malik Nabers, that would mean participating in running and catching exercises. Other training load can also increase but they will need to undergo successful neurocognitive and balance testing.
The final stage is a return to full football activity. Also known as the clearance stage, the player must receive the go-ahead from the club physician and the independent neurological consultant to return to full practice.
The timeline for these stages varies greatly with players. Tua Tagovailoa has been placed on injured reserve after suffering a concussion this season in Week 2, but that was not unexpected given his history.
On the other hand, Patrick Mahomes exited the concussion protocol in a few days during the 2021 playoffs and featured in the AFC Championship game against the Bills after he cleared the tests and a nerve issue was found as opposed to a head injury.
Therefore, there is a chance that Malik Nabers could feature in Week 5 since the Giants don't play for another 10 days after playing on Thursday night. However, all the protocols must be followed before the wide receiver can be seen on the field again.