How long will the Cubs be without Kris Bryant?

Kris Bryant has missed three games since being hit in the head, but could he be out a lot longer?

A scary moment came on Sunday, as Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant was hit in the head with a fastball from Rockies starter German Marquez. An immediate evaluation suggested he had no concussion symptoms, but the 2016 National League MVP missed his third straight game Thursday night against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Caution is the word regarding head injuries, in any sport. There’s also the issue of any lingering fear factor Bryant might have once he steps back into the batter’s box, and he’s also the major league leader with seven hit by pitches as the first month of the season winds down.

Cubs manager Joe Maddon pointed to Bryant’s status as being day-to-day, while suggesting he was available off the bench Thursday night. That didn’t happen, but Maddon is putting the decision to return to the lineup in Bryant’s hands.

"I’m just listening to him, listening to what his needs are right now. And making sure the medical procedures are being followed so we do everything right,” Maddon said. “It’s never going to be a unilateral decision on my part to insist that he plays, ever. … I really feel strongly that he’s going to be fine, but I don’t want to push it."

Bryant has reportedly been working in the batting cage the past few days, with the Cubs’ training staff monitoring him. First baseman Anthony Rizzo was brief, but optimistic, with his comments regarding Bryant.

“He seems good,” Rizzo said. “It’s a scary thing.”

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If he doesn’t return to the lineup for a Friday matinée against the Brewers, or sometime during the weekend series against Milwaukee, the Cubs will have a decision to make about placing Bryant on the 7-day concussion disabled list. It could be done retroactively going back no more than five days to Monday, the day after Bryant last played.