Denver Broncos interim head coach Jack Del Rio has insisted that his team followed the correct protocol for concussion with wide receiver Wes Welker during Sunday's match against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Welker suffered a head injury in a collision with Chiefs safety Eric Berry during the fourth quarter of the Broncos' 27-17 win, sinking to his knee briefly when leaving the field after the play.
The 32-year-old returned to the game after being checked by team doctors but was withdrawn for good five plays later after showing symptoms of a potential concussion.
"My understanding is we followed protocol, he was cleared to return, he had symptoms that came up and he was pulled. He'll go through the protocol this week," Del Rio told reporters.
"[Doctors] checked him, allowed to return, symptoms came that were problematic and he was pulled. They saw an issue and they pulled him. I think it worked the way it was supposed to."
Welker will undergo a baseline concussion test this week and has been ruled out of taking part in full practice until Friday at the earliest.
"First concern obviously is that he's ready to return when doctors give him the green light. When he's able to go, he'll go," Del Rio added.
Welker's injury leaves him as a doubt for Sunday's match against his former team the New England Patriots.
Barney Corkhill
