All articles tagged with #return to play
After a July car crash caused a severe concussion, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan says the experience has given him deeper empathy for players dealing with brain injuries, recognizing that concussion severity varies and that the NFL’s concussion protocol guides safer returns; he plans to be more cautious and supportive of players taking the time needed to recover.
Rams coach Sean McVay says Aaron Donald’s return to the field appears to be trending upward, with Donald staying in shape and the Rams’ acquisition of a two-time Defensive Player of the Year fueling his interest; a decision is expected after the team reconvenes at Woodland Hills following training camp at LMU (through Aug. 7), and the Rams open the season in Australia against the 49ers on Sept. 10.
Mariners hope Julio Rodríguez will be activated off the concussion IL for Saturday after progressing through pregame drills; GM Justin Hollander said there’s no setback and he needs to clear every box before returning, while Victor Robles started in center in Rodríguez’s absence as Seattle hosts San Francisco.
Victor Wembanyama said he’s “very unhappy” with how the NBA concussion protocol was handled after he suffered a playoff concussion in Game 2 and missed Game 3, returning in Game 4 for a dominant 27-point, 11-rebound performance as the Spurs took a 3-1 series lead; he credited Spurs doctors, criticized the handling by other parties without specifics, and said he doesn’t want to elaborate until after the season.
Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez left the divisional-round win over the Chargers with a head injury and was placed in the NFL concussion protocol. He will be evaluated by both the Patriots medical staff and an independent neuro consultant, and must pass the league’s five-phase return-to-play process before returning. There’s no fixed timeline for clearance, with possibilities ranging from a swift return to missing upcoming games, and a history of a prior concussion noted in his medical history.
49ers tight end George Kittle, who suffered a hamstring injury in September, is expected to play in Sunday's game against the Falcons after returning to limited practice, aiming to contribute despite a significant tear in his hamstring.
Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Alex Pietrangelo, who is recovering from a serious hip injury, has not ruled out returning to play this season, continuing his rehab and taking it day-by-day, despite initial reports suggesting he might miss the entire 2025-26 season.
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor plans to test his surgically repaired right thumb in practice this week with the goal of returning for Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons. Taylor, who has missed the past three games, emphasized the importance of protecting the ball in traffic. His availability will be determined based on his performance in practice. The Colts, currently in the playoff hunt, could benefit from Taylor's return as they aim to finish the season strong.
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers may be medically cleared next week to return to playing in games, with his targeted return being the Christmas Eve game against the Washington Commanders. However, even if cleared, there are still steps and medical evaluations required before he can participate in full practice and game situations. The Jets have a slim chance of making the playoffs, but Rodgers has expressed that he wouldn't return if there was nothing left to play for.
Detroit Lions defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson has been medically cleared and could potentially return from injured reserve as early as next week. Gardner-Johnson suffered a torn pectoral muscle in Week 2 and was initially expected to miss the entire season. However, he has been diligently rehabbing and recently posted on social media that he was medically cleared and ready to return. While the Lions are cautious about his timeline, his potential comeback would be a significant boost for the team's defense.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson, who suffered a chest injury during Sunday's game, has confirmed that he will play in the upcoming game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Jefferson was taken to the hospital for evaluation but was diagnosed with an "inner bruise" rather than any serious damage. His return will be a boost for the Vikings as they face the Bengals in a crucial game with playoff implications.
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry expressed his disappointment at not being able to return to last Sunday's game after being evaluated for a possible concussion. Although he felt fine and wanted to continue playing, Henry respected the decision of the medical personnel and the league's cautious approach to head injuries. He hopes to continue his recent success in the upcoming game against the Miami Dolphins.
Carolina Panthers tight end Hayden Hurst plans to return to the field before the end of the season after being diagnosed with post-traumatic amnesia following a concussion he suffered during a game against the Bears. Hurst, who doesn't remember up to four hours after the game, expressed gratitude for the support he has received and praised the Panthers for their assistance. His father, Jerry Hurst, stated that the recovery would be slow and uncertain. Hurst expects to return in the next couple of weeks and reassured that the condition is not career-ending.
Carolina Panthers tight end Hayden Hurst, who has been out with a concussion and post-traumatic amnesia since November 9, hopes to return to action before the end of the season. Despite not remembering a four-hour period after the hit, Hurst's condition has improved, and he is working towards getting back on the field. He reassured fans that his injury is not career-ending and expressed optimism about his return.
Carolina Panthers tight end Hayden Hurst, who was diagnosed with post-traumatic amnesia after suffering a concussion, believes the condition will not end his career. Hurst, who has been sidelined for the past three games, expressed gratitude for the support he has received and stated that he is starting his return to play this week. He hopes to be back on the field within the next one to two weeks. The 30-year-old Hurst signed a three-year contract with the Panthers during the offseason and has 18 receptions for 184 yards and one touchdown in nine games this season.