QB Savage concussed in Texans loss to 49ers

Dec 11, 2017 - 1:47 AM HOUSTON -- There was no denying the unsightliness of the image of Texans quarterback Tom Savage early in the second quarter on Sunday, prone and on his back, frighteningly rigid, and seemingly concussed following a devastating hit from 49ers left defensive end Elvis Dumervil

That picture was made more grotesque when Savage returned to action on the ensuing series.

Texans head coach Bill O'Brien was inundated by questions on why Savage was allowed to return for one additional series before being ruled out with a concussion following a 26-16 loss to San Francisco at NRG Stadium.

O'Brien managed the onslaught with an even keel, a surprise given his usually combative responses to any questioning of his decision-making, even reeling himself in when asked if he happened to see the video of Savage stiffened as a referee approached him.

O'Brien was clearly aware that measured replies were required.

Concussion concerns have enveloped the NFL like a shroud, with the league and its teams called to the carpet for a seemingly flimsy protocol designed to protect the players from additional harm and their own stubbornness. But when observers witness what happened to Savage with just over nine minutes remaining in the first half, only to watch him re-enter the game, concerns abound.

"We evaluated him, at that time made the determination that he was OK," O'Brien said. "Not me, obviously, the evaluators made the determination to put him back in the game. He went back in the game and came out and they evaluated him a little bit more just because of what they saw. And that's where it's at. That's all really I know about it."

Following the series on which he was leveled, Savage was evaluated by an independent neurologist under the medical tent on the Texans sideline. He was deemed fit and played the next series, during which time medical personnel determined him symptomatic of a concussion.

Savage, who was said to be in good spirits in the postgame locker room, attempted to return to the field again following his re-evaluation, but was prohibited from doing so. He was escorted to the locker room and the Texans turned to backup T.J. Yates for the remainder of the game.

What might follow in the coming days is a revisiting of the procedure that enabled Savage to return even after he took a hit that left those who witnessed it concerned for his well-being.

"He doesn't want to come out of the game; that's in the medical people's hands," O'Brien said. "They try to make the best decision for the player."