The Buffalo Bills are under scrutiny for their decision to return quarterback Josh Allen to the field in Sunday’s 23-20 loss to the Houston Texans, despite him appearing to suffer a head injury. Allen was injured in the fourth quarter on October 6 after a hard hit caused his head to bounce off the turf. He was taken to the sidelines and evaluated in the medical tent, but after using smelling salts, he was cleared to rejoin the game and played through to the end. This decision has sparked criticism, especially amid recent concerns over head injuries to quarterbacks.
Bills Criticized for Rushing Josh Allen Back Into the Game
At first, Josh Allen’s injury looked serious, as he lay face-down and motionless on the field for a few moments before medical staff came to assess him. Allen soon sat up and was able to walk to the sidelines on his own, initially sitting on the bench before being moved to the medical tent for further evaluation.
Backup quarterback Mitch Trubisky stepped in briefly for the first play of the next drive following a turnover by the Texans, but Allen returned to the game right after. Before his return, CBS cameras showed a team staff member giving him smelling salts, a mixture of ammonia and other chemicals commonly used to revive individuals after injury or unconsciousness.
Former NFL linebacker and current commentator Emmanuel Acho criticized the Buffalo Bills for their handling of quarterback Josh Allen’s injury during a game against the Houston Texans. After Allen appeared to be knocked unconscious, the team administered smelling salts and quickly returned him to play. Acho expressed concern on social media, stating, “We all saw Josh Allen seemingly get knocked out, yet they just threw him a smelling salt and right back into the game. As if that was going to undo any head trauma he just suffered.”
The NFL’s concussion protocols have come under scrutiny following incidents involving quarterbacks Josh Allen and Tua Tagovailoa. In a recent game, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen appeared to suffer a head injury after his head hit the turf. Despite this, he was quickly evaluated and returned to play, leading to criticism from former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel, who stated, “If they let Josh Allen back into the game after he clearly smashed his head on the turf then the entire concussion process is flawed. He looked like he was out.”
Similarly, Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa experienced multiple head injuries during the 2022 season. In one instance, he was deemed to have a back injury despite exhibiting signs consistent with a concussion, raising concerns about the accuracy and effectiveness of the league’s concussion assessments.
These cases have intensified debates over the NFL’s commitment to player safety and the adequacy of its concussion protocols.
Josh Allen in the Clear
Despite initial concerns, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen is not expected to miss any playing time following his recent injury. After taking a significant hit during the game against the Houston Texans, Allen clarified that he sustained a “big shot to the chest” and rolled his ankle, but did not suffer a head injury. Head coach Sean McDermott confirmed that Allen was medically cleared to return to the game and is not in concussion protocol.
