After hauling in Bo Nix’s first three passes against the Bills, Broncos wideout Pat Bryant exited Saturday’s AFC divisional matchup after taking a big hit on his third reception.
The Broncos ruled Bryant out with a concussion, a loss that showed up later in the drive when Lil’Jordan Humphrey dropped a sure touchdown in the back corner of the end zone that likely would have been Bryant running the route.
Marvin Mims Jr. also went to the sideline to be evaluated for a concussion after taking a big hit on the opening kickoff, but has since re-entered the game after being cleared.
Saturday marked Bryant’s second game back in action since returning from a one-game absence after a hard hit late in Week 16 against Jacksonville, a scary sight that involved all 53 Broncos encircling Bryant on the field and the rookie receiver being taken to the hospital. Bryant was ruled negative on any neurological testing, and largely shrugged the hit off as a “football play” in speaking with The Denver Post this week.
“It wasn’t nothing too bad,” Bryant told The Post Thursday. “Like, I mean, obviously, that (expletive) happened. I was down for a week. I damn near feel like I could’ve played, though. I was straight.”
Now, though, Bryant’s suffered his second concussion in the span of a month, a worrisome sign for the 23-year-old receiver. Bryant had ascended to an integral role in head coach Sean Payton’s offense, finishing his rookie year with 31 catches for 378 yards and a touchdown. He had three catches for 32 yards on just a single drive before exiting in the first quarter Saturday.
