Larry Fitzgerald says he already passed first test in NFL concussion protocol

Dec 8, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald on the sidelines against the St. Louis Rams at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 8, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald on the sidelines against the St. Louis Rams at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald suffered a concussion during the team’s Week 15 overtime win against the Tennessee Titans, which means he will need to go through the NFL’s concussion protocol before determining whether or not he will be able to return next week.

With plenty of time until next week’s game, Fitzgerald already appears to be doing well and he said that he has already passed the first test required by the NFL’s concussion protocol.

“Today I went in and saw an independent neurologist,” Fitzgerald said. “He put me through a screening test, a baseline test, that I took in the spring time. They wanted to see if my scores were on the same level as my scores when I was fully functioning in the offseason. Those tests came back positive. I was right where I needed to be. Tomorrow I will see another neurologist to get another independent look.”

“At that point it’s just about how I feel going through the week. But right now I’m feeling good.”

While Fitzgerald was admittedly shaken up after the hit he took on Sunday, his quick progress is a positive sign for the Cardinals entering this week’s preparation.

If Fitzgerald, who is one of the toughest players in the league is to be believed, you can expect to see him out on the field in Week 16.

“I’m going to get some rest today, get some rest tomorrow and get ready for a big game against Seattle next week,” he said.