With T.J. Hockenson returning to Lions practice on Wednesday but still not being cleared from the NFL’s concussion protocol, it’s a good opportunity to review what exactly the league requires to get clearance from the brain injury spectrum.
The NFL has a five-point progression all players must clear stage by stage before being cleared and able to return to the field of play. These were developed by the league in conjunction with a panel of brain specialists and trainers, as well as the NFLPA. Clearance from each of the five levels is confirmed by an independent evaluator, not the player or the team itself.
By returning to practice, Hockenson is in Step 4 and hoping to progress to Step 5. As long as he doesn’t show symptoms after his practice session, he should be cleared by the independent doctor and return to full football activity.
