Josh Allen’s toughness has never been in question, but the hit he took in Week 5 against the Texans raised serious concerns for Bills fans. The sight of him lying motionless after his head slammed into the turf was a jarring moment, especially given the rise in awareness around head injuries and concussions in the NFL. The fact that he only missed one snap following the medical evaluation shows how determined Allen is, but it also raises eyebrows about whether it was the right decision to let him back on the field so quickly, especially since his performance afterward—going 0-for-6 passing—suggests he may not have been fully right.
Even though Allen brushed off concerns, saying “I’m fine,” it’s hard to overlook the potential long-term effects of such a hit. The Bills are now on a two-game losing streak, and while Allen’s health is crucial to their success, there’s always the risk of further injury if he’s playing hurt or not fully recovered. Buffalo’s offense hinges on Allen’s ability to make plays both in the air and on the ground, but they’ll need to be careful not to push him too hard, especially if he’s not at 100%.
It’s possible the Bills will have to monitor Allen closely in the coming weeks, as any lingering effects from the hit could impact his decision-making and physical ability. For a team with Super Bowl aspirations, Allen’s well-being is priority number one, and any sign of diminished performance due to injury should prompt caution moving forward.
The scrutiny surrounding how the NFL handles head injuries, especially in the wake of Tua Tagovailoa’s well-documented concussions, naturally extended to Josh Allen’s situation in Week 5. The hit he sustained, followed by the sight of him lying motionless, raised immediate concerns about whether the league was properly protecting its players, particularly its stars. However, as confirmed by a joint NFL-NFLPA investigation, the proper concussion protocol was followed during Allen’s evaluation.
According to Tom Pelissero’s report, both the NFL and NFLPA reviewed the situation through reports from the Unaffiliated Neurotrauma Consultant and Booth Spotters, who are responsible for identifying potential head injuries. They determined that the necessary steps were taken, and there was no negligence in allowing Allen to return to play. This is reassuring for fans who feared another mishandled head injury situation, especially given the increased sensitivity surrounding concussions after Tagovailoa’s alarming incidents in the 2022 season.
While some may have questioned the decision based on Allen’s struggles after returning to the game, the report should alleviate concerns about improper handling. Player safety is under the microscope more than ever, and the league has been keen on tightening protocols and ensuring transparency. Allen’s case, though alarming to watch, seems to have been handled by the book, affirming the NFL’s commitment to adhering to established concussion guidelines.
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
Following the game, Josh Allen downplayed concerns about a head injury, instead attributing his discomfort to a back injury. He reassured fans and the media that he was “no worse for wear” beyond the typical bumps and bruises that come with playing in the NFL. This comment helped ease some of the immediate worries about a potential concussion, especially after the scary moment when he lay motionless on the field.
Allen’s insistence that it was a back issue rather than a head injury further aligns with the NFL’s and NFLPA’s findings that proper concussion protocol was followed. Even though fans and viewers feared the worst, Allen’s remarks suggest that the incident may have looked worse than it actually was. Nonetheless, the concern over Allen’s health remains high, especially considering the physical style of play that makes him such a unique quarterback. While Allen may brush off the injuries, the Bills will need to monitor his condition carefully to ensure he stays healthy for the long season ahead.
