Jaylen Waddle left the Denver Broncos’ game against the Carolina Panthers early in the first quarter after taking a heavy hit to the head while attempting to catch a pass. Waddle was targeted over the middle by quarterback Bo Nix when safety Zakee Wheatley collided with him, striking Waddle’s facemask with the crown of his helmet as Waddle jumped for the ball.
The contact forced Waddle to the sideline, where he was evaluated on the field for a potential concussion. After the initial assessment, Waddle jogged off to the Broncos’ locker room and entered concussion protocol, according to reports. He has not returned to the game since the hit.
Broncos cornerback Riley Moss was also assessed for a concussion following a head impact in the second quarter. Moss took the hit while making a tackle, prompting medical staff to evaluate him as well. It remains unclear if either Waddle or Moss will be ruled out for the remainder of the game.
The Broncos did not provide an official update on the status of Waddle or Moss as the game progressed. The team’s handling of the situation follows NFL concussion protocols that require players to be removed from play when a head injury is suspected. The league has maintained strict guidelines to protect players’ health, with sideline medical teams conducting thorough assessments before clearance to return.
Waddle’s departure comes at a moment when the Broncos rely on their wide receivers to bolster their offense. His absence could affect Denver’s passing attack, especially against the Panthers’ defense. The circumstances of the play were captured on video, drawing attention on social media where users noted the severity of the hit. One clip posted online showed Waddle’s awkward landing after the collision, with the caption noting he had entered concussion protocol and had not returned.
Riley Moss’s evaluation adds another layer of concern for Denver’s defense. While the details of his hit were less publicized, the precautionary examination aligns with the team’s focus on player safety.
No further updates have been confirmed by the Broncos’ medical staff or coaching team as of Sunday evening. The game continues with the Broncos adjusting their lineup in response to the injuries.
According to Yahoo Sports.