Antonio Brown in concussion protocol following Burfict hit

By John Buhler | Jan 11, 2016

Jan 9, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals outside linebacker Vontaze Burfict (55) hits Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) during the fourth quarter in the AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Paul Brown Stadium. Burfict was called for a personal foul on the play. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

Antonio Brown is in the NFL’s concussion protocol from the crushing hit he received from Vontaze Burfict in the AFC Wild Card round Saturday night.

The Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro wide receiver Antonio Brown is in the NFL’s concussion protocol after the late hit he sustained from Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict in the Steelers’ 18-16 AFC Wild Card victory over the Bengals on Saturday night. ESPN’s Adam Schefter delivered the widely expected news on Brown’s health situation.

As much as some might question it, Steelers WR Antonio Brown is in the concussion protocol, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 11, 2016

Going up for a pass in the middle of the field left Brown defenseless as Burfict delivered the aggressive hit on the Steelers wideout. Many questioned what Burfict was thinking during the Bengals’ final defensive series, as his team was only up by a point late in a massive rivalry game during the playoffs.

The Steelers have many health concerns on their team for when the team takes on the top-seeded Denver Broncos at Mile High Stadium in Denver in the AFC Divisional round this upcoming weekend. Pittsburgh didn’t play with backup running back DeAngelo Williams on Saturday and starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is dealing with a separated shoulder that limited him to being able to pass the ball maybe 10 yards late in the fourth quarter.

Pittsburgh will need to get healthy in a hurry if they want to stay alive in the AFC Playoffs. Losing Brown in the Divisional Round would put a ton of pressure on wideout Martavis Bryant to stand as the team’s top receiving option. Denver had a bye last week and should have health on their side as the Broncos will start Peyton Manning at quarterback over Brock Osweiler.

While Roethlisberger is known for his durability, it is up in the air if Brown will clear the NFL’s concussion protocol in time to suit up for the Steelers when they take on the Broncos in the Divisional Round of the AFC Playoffs this weekend.

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