AFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME! Bills at Chiefs, Sunday 6:40 pm on CBS

[Generic_Bills_Fan]

1 minute ago, Patrick_Duffy said:

Yup I agree. This of course all depends on what's going on behind the scenes and how sever it actually is, which we don't know those things for fact. That's kinda what I was getting at when suggesting how the NFL handles it. 

 

But we know, at least a majority of the times when players get concussions ( speaking about the ones where they have trouble getting up/standing specifically) like we saw PM get, they are usually out for a minimum of 2 weeks.  And that's being generous. 

 

But I like many others don't believe for 1 second that it was "only" a pinched nerve and he didn't get concussed.

I think his foot injury is more interesting... he was clearly trying to protect it at times and it was very much affecting his play

[Patrick Duffy]

34 minutes ago, MAJBobby said:

I wonder if we are going to see the Misdirection, motions, Jet sweeps this game. We really haven’t seen that part of the offense since the playoffs started. 

That's a good question. I would ask the same about the Chiefs as far as the option plays. Especially if PM is going to play. I wonder if they will risk him getting hit too many times on those types of plays.

[Generic_Bills_Fan]

2 minutes ago, Just Joshin' said:

Top notch reporting.....which stage of the protocols did he pass?  Working out has a few meanings.  Some really know nothing is my read.

Anyone remember how long it took josh to go through the protocols after he got a concussion against the pats?...he seemed much more ok after the initial hit than mahomes too 

[Hapless Bills Fan]

3 minutes ago, Generic_Bills_Fan said:

Anyone remember how long it took josh to go through the protocols after he got a concussion against the pats?...he seemed much more ok after the initial hit than mahomes too 

 

He played the following week

[balln]

6 minutes ago, Generic_Bills_Fan said:

Anyone remember how long it took josh to go through the protocols after he got a concussion against the pats?...he seemed much more ok after the initial hit than mahomes too 

doesnt matter. its totally different. different baselines, injury and recovery for each player

[Generic_Bills_Fan]

8 minutes ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

He played the following week

Yea that I remember I just can't remember how long it took him to go through the protocols...you'd think if it was as much as a technicality as Andy Reid is saying he may be through already? Or maybe it takes multiple days of performing the same tests

6 minutes ago, balln said:

doesnt matter. its totally different. different baselines, injury and recovery for each player

Yea thats true its just the best example I can think of for a very minor concussion where the player played the next week.  He looked fine after the hit and it wasn't really in doubt whether he would play the next week 

[Hapless Bills Fan]

8 minutes ago, Generic_Bills_Fan said:

Yea that I remember I just can't remember how long it took him to go through the protocols...you'd think if it was as much as a technicality as Andy Reid is saying he may be through already? Or maybe it takes multiple days of performing the same tests

 

It's the same tests, but there's a defined protocol of increasing intensity of exercise followed by the same tests:

 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2021/01/19/nfl-patrick-mahomes-concussion-protocols/

"Any NFL player placed in the protocol is subject to a five-step process to be cleared to play, with symptoms monitored closely throughout and the player’s results in neurocognitive and balance tests compared to his baseline scores.

The first phase involves rest and limited activities until the player can progress, under the supervision of the athletic training staff, to light aerobic exercise. Phase 2 involves increased cardiovascular exercise. The third phase allows for practice with the team in football-specific exercise for 30 minutes or fewer with careful monitoring. The player can participate in noncontact football activities in Phase 4, and the final phase involves being cleared medically for full on-field participation and contact."

 

Part of the protocol is to do stuff and then see how you respond next day.  So at this point, Mahomes might have cleared Phase 2 and be allowed to participate in Phase 3 tomorrow (30 minutes of football specific exercise). 

 

I think the earliest he can clear is Friday.

[Patrick Duffy]

18 minutes ago, Generic_Bills_Fan said:

Anyone remember how long it took josh to go through the protocols after he got a concussion against the pats?...he seemed much more ok after the initial hit than mahomes too 

As Hap said he played the next week. But want to add that Josh got up and was walking fine and everything after he took his hit. Pat M. clearly was weak in the legs and had a couple of his Oline help him stand.

 

[Bimmer323i]

Well I told myself don’t watch any sports shows this week... Needless to say I couldn’t help myself..... The way everyone is talking we mise well not even get on the plane.... Let’s just crown KC afc conference champs today and get ready for draft.... Those Pricks.....

[Miyagi-Do Karate]

I know our receivers are banged up, but I believe this game will largely depend on the play of our WR’s.
 

In the games we have won, our receivers have made critical catches and executed at a super high level, especially in the red zone. Toe drags, diving endzone grabs, fingertip catches. 
 

We are going to need them all to bring their A games, and make championship level plays. 

[Mango]

13 minutes ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

It's the same tests, but there's a defined protocol of increasing intensity of exercise followed by the same tests:

 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2021/01/19/nfl-patrick-mahomes-concussion-protocols/

"Any NFL player placed in the protocol is subject to a five-step process to be cleared to play, with symptoms monitored closely throughout and the player’s results in neurocognitive and balance tests compared to his baseline scores.

The first phase involves rest and limited activities until the player can progress, under the supervision of the athletic training staff, to light aerobic exercise. Phase 2 involves increased cardiovascular exercise. The third phase allows for practice with the team in football-specific exercise for 30 minutes or fewer with careful monitoring. The player can participate in noncontact football activities in Phase 4, and the final phase involves being cleared medically for full on-field participation and contact."

 

Part of the protocol is to do stuff and then see how you respond next day.  So at this point, Mahomes might have cleared Phase 2 and be allowed to participate in Phase 3 tomorrow (30 minutes of football specific exercise). 

 

I think the earliest he can clear is Friday.

 

So I have been looking for clarification on that, but have not seen it anywhere. Were you able to dig that up?  With any other injury that is the way they would do it. Nobody would load you up with 3 different stressors and hope for the best the next day. So hoping they wouldn't do that with a players noggin. But I get the sense that they might run through multiple stages per day. Especially since the neurologist does not come in until stage 5. 

I am 99.999% sure he is playing, and that actually cures most of my anxiety about this game. Just get rid of the unknown. Just about every sportsbook streamlined their spread to KC -3 today. They are locking in that Mahomes is playing. Yesterday you could place a bet anywhere from Buffalo -2.5 to KC -3.5.

[buffaloboyinATL]

3 minutes ago, Bimmer323i said:

Well I told myself don’t watch any sports shows this week... Needless to say I couldn’t help myself..... The way everyone is talking we mise well not even get on the plane.... Let’s just crown KC afc conference champs today and get ready for draft.... Those Pricks.....

Haha. So true. LT just said on Total Access that if we don't run the ball against KC in the first half (like we did against the Ravens) we will be down 21-0 in the first half! Luckily Michael Robinson was there to laugh at him.

[ColoradoBills]

28 minutes ago, Generic_Bills_Fan said:

Yea that I remember I just can't remember how long it took him to go through the protocols...you'd think if it was as much as a technicality as Andy Reid is saying he may be through already? Or maybe it takes multiple days of performing the same tests

Yea thats true its just the best example I can think of for a very minor concussion where the player played the next week.  He looked fine after the hit and it wasn't really in doubt whether he would play the next week 

 

Josh was cleared to play on Saturday.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2856214-bills-josh-allen-expected-to-play-vs-titans-after-clearing-concussion-protocol#:~:text=However%2C he is set to,the team's Week 5 game.

 

A concussion suffered against the New England Patriots after a helmet-to-helmet hit from defensive back Jonathan Jones last Sunday forced the Buffalo Bills' starting quarterback off the field for the remainder of that game. However, he is set to return against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.

The Bills announced Saturday that Allen cleared the NFL's concussion protocol, which makes him available to start the team's Week 5 game.

Edited January 19, 2021 by ColoradoBills

[Mat68]

10 minutes ago, Bimmer323i said:

Well I told myself don’t watch any sports shows this week... Needless to say I couldn’t help myself..... The way everyone is talking we mise well not even get on the plane.... Let’s just crown KC afc conference champs today and get ready for draft.... Those Pricks.....

Teams win Superbowls.  Vs Indy Allen carried the team.  Vs Baltimore it was a team win.  Thats is what makes the team dangerous.  Allen on Saturday night managed the game.  He did what the game needed not what he wanted.  Thats growth.

[CEN-CAL17]

I’m hoping our defense can scheme something to frustrate Kelce. He’s the difference maker for Mahomes. Hill will get his touches but it seems like when KC needs a play he tends to be the option KC goes to most. 
 

What have teams done in the past to contain him? Stop the run and limit Kelces ability to run open down the field is key.

[BearNorth]

32 minutes ago, ColoradoBills said:

 

Josh was cleared to play on Saturday.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2856214-bills-josh-allen-expected-to-play-vs-titans-after-clearing-concussion-protocol#:~:text=However%2C he is set to,the team's Week 5 game.

 

A concussion suffered against the New England Patriots after a helmet-to-helmet hit from defensive back Jonathan Jones last Sunday forced the Buffalo Bills' starting quarterback off the field for the remainder of that game. However, he is set to return against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.

The Bills announced Saturday that Allen cleared the NFL's concussion protocol, which makes him available to start the team's Week 5 game.

And Josh arguably had his worst game of the season against the Titans.  He also had a shoulder injury in both that and the KC game the next week.  Just Saying.

[Stank_Nasty]

3 minutes ago, BearNorth said:

And Josh arguably had his worst game of the season against the Titans.  He also had a shoulder injury in both that and the KC game the next week.  Just Saying.

wrong game. thats from 2019. the week after he got knocked out of the pats game..... its just evidence that players can come back within a week of a concussion.

Edited January 20, 2021 by Stank_Nasty

[ColoradoBills]

2 minutes ago, BearNorth said:

And Josh arguably had his worst game of the season against the Titans.  He also had a shoulder injury in both that and the KC game the next week.  Just Saying.

 

Totally agree!

[Generic_Bills_Fan]

37 minutes ago, ColoradoBills said:

 

Josh was cleared to play on Saturday.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2856214-bills-josh-allen-expected-to-play-vs-titans-after-clearing-concussion-protocol#:~:text=However%2C he is set to,the team's Week 5 game.

 

A concussion suffered against the New England Patriots after a helmet-to-helmet hit from defensive back Jonathan Jones last Sunday forced the Buffalo Bills' starting quarterback off the field for the remainder of that game. However, he is set to return against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.

The Bills announced Saturday that Allen cleared the NFL's concussion protocol, which makes him available to start the team's Week 5 game.

Ah so its pretty normal that we haven't heard anything yet 

[stevewin]

2 hours ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

Concussions are a funny thing.  There are some that look like nothing, but the person takes weeks or months to return to baseline.  VB player on my kid's team took 2 months to recover from what looked like nothing much.

 

There are others that are nasty - involve getting knocked unconscious etc, but resolve quickly and don't cause much in the way of lingering physical symptoms.  I experienced this myself.  I was knocked unconscious in a car accident, suffered a subdural bleed, no memory of about 3 hrs, spent the night in a neuro unit, walked out of the hospital the next day - no headaches, no nausea, no balance issues, no light sensitivity, I was very fatigued but I didn't have increased symptoms from exercise.

 

So while I agree that Mahomes appears to have suffered a concussion, I don't know that it's really a statement to hold him out or rushing if he comes back.  It really depends upon the integrity of the protocol and the people executing it.  He could come back from that in 5 days, while Mitch Morse took what, a month? from a knee in the helmet.

So here’s my concussion story.

 

When I was a junior in HS (1980 lol), I suffered a double concussion at basketball practice.  I was running full out about to dive for a loose ball when my face smashed into the forehead of someone coming from the other direction (brain smashes into front of skull – concussion #1).  They said I was out cold on my feet – incredibly still upright for just a second before I slowly fell backwards like a falling tower and my head smashed on the floor (brain smashes into back of skull – concussion #2).  Everyone just stood there totally frozen.   After some moments – one of my friends heard a faint choking noise.  There was no blood, but my nose was shattered.   He got closer and figured out I was choking on something – he turned me on my side and a huge flow of blood just started gushing from my face.  The people there said they had never seen so much blood – like a bad movie.  Not sure if that is recommended practice, but his quick action might have saved the situation from being much worse.

 

I started to come to in the gym – I was out for minutes.  Initially it was a complete fog, wasn’t even sure where I was at the beginning.  The one funny thing is as I laid there the single thing that popped in my head was my Mom always said if you get in a medical emergency tell them the name of our family doctor – so I just started repeating “Hassenfratz.  Hassenfratz.”  over and over.  They had no freaking clue wth I was saying or talking about (real concerns of brain damage at that point 😝)

 

In the ambulance I started to regain more consciousness.  It was funny because eventually I felt awake, but could not remember simple things.  One of the paramedics was actually a very popular senior at my school – and in the ambulance I couldn’t for the life of me think of his name (which I think annoyed him), but I DID remember the name of his gorgeous girlfriend.  For some reason I started with “Oh yeah – so-and-so is your girlfriend” and he’s just looking at me – and it started to get weird when I kept talking about her “Yeah, she’s in my typing class” (1980, people) and after a few more comments and seeing the look on his face, even in my altered state I had the presence of mind to STFU.

 

These of course were the days before cell phones – it was Saturday morning and my Mom was out Christmas shopping and my Dad was deer hunting.  I got to the hospital and had to wait on a stretcher in a hallway of the emergency room for hours, having to make uncomfortable small talk with my Coach (which might have been the worst part of the whole experience).  Not sure how many times I said “You can leave now – I’ll be OK”.   Eventually my brother came home from being out somewhere and heard the message on the machine.  My Mom had left a note she was shopping at Eastern Hills Mall, so he called them and they paged her (can’t believe we actually used to live without cell phones).

 

I eventually had surgery to reconstruct my nose, pretty sure I also either broke or dislocated my jaw.  When I first got in my room I realized my jaw was killing me and I couldn’t open my mouth all the way so I forced it open and CRACK something popped.  Never told anyone.  Hurt like hell for a while after - more than my nose.  Jaw hasn’t been the same since.

 

Some other highlights from the hospital

- The first night a Doctor rushed into my room in a tuxedo (coming from a Christmas party), shined a light in my eyes, turned to my Mom and promptly said “One of his pupils is bigger than the other – he could have bleeding in his brain”  I’ll never forget the look on my Mother’s face as it turned ghostly white – at that point I was more afraid for her health than mine.  Subsequently, after a bunch of tests they concluded one of my pupils is just normally bigger than the other

- On the following Monday evening I was returning to my room having left for some test or X-ray.  The MNF game was on TV.  The guy in the other bed turns to me and says “They killed John Lennon, man!”.  Will never forget the sound of sadness/pain in his voice.

 

Anyway – this was a very different time.  Never went through any concussion protocol or really any follow-up at all.  They gave me some painkillers for headache – I was back at school by the end of the week, and started practicing again right after that (they gave me a mask to wear to protect my nose, but that lasted about 10 minutes).

 

One thing I am pretty sure of – it wasn’t a pinched nerve.

Edited January 20, 2021 by stevewin