Christian Gonzalez injury: NFL concussion protocol, explained
Pats Pulpit • • sports
Key Points:
- New England Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez was placed in the NFL concussion protocol after sustaining a head injury in the divisional playoff win over the Los Angeles Chargers.
- Gonzalez left the game in the early fourth quarter and was evaluated by medical staff and independent neurotrauma consultants before being ruled out for the remainder of the game.
- The NFL concussion protocol involves a multi-phase process including rest, aerobic exercise, football-specific activity, non-contact drills, and full clearance before returning to play.
- Gonzalez’s return timeline is uncertain and will depend on medical evaluations and symptom progression, with possibilities ranging from returning to practice midweek to missing upcoming playoff games.
- This concussion is not Gonzalez’s first, as he also suffered a head injury in
