Spurs' Collins in Concussion Protocol After Head Injury

San Antonio Spurs center Zach Collins has been placed in the NBA’s concussion protocol after sustaining a head injury during Sunday’s game against the Brooklyn Nets. According to reports, Collins hit his head on the court during the game but initially seemed fine. However, symptoms began to surface the following morning, prompting the team to take precautionary measures.

The Spurs announced on Monday that Collins would miss at least the upcoming game against the Dallas Mavericks as he undergoes evaluation and testing required by the league’s concussion protocol. The protocol is designed to ensure the safety and well-being of players who have suffered head injuries, allowing them to return to action only after passing a series of tests and being cleared by medical professionals.

Head coach Gregg Popovich expressed concern for Collins’ health, stating, “Zach’s well-being is our top priority. We’ll follow the protocol to the letter and give him all the time he needs to recover fully. These types of injuries are not to be taken lightly.”

Collins, a 25-year-old big man, has been plagued by injuries throughout the season. Prior to the concussion, he had missed nine games in late December and January due to a knee injury, as well as three games in late January with a sore ankle. The latest setback adds to his injury woes and could further delay his return to the court.

To fill the void left by Collins’ absence, the Spurs have recalled Dominick Barlow from the G League’s Rio Grande Valley Vipers. Barlow was on his way to join the Vipers for a matchup when he received the call to return to San Antonio. The team may also rely more heavily on Sandro Mamukelashvili, who has provided a spark off the bench with his hustle and energy in limited playing time this season.

The Spurs’ medical staff will closely monitor Collins’ progress through the concussion protocol, which typically involves a gradual return to physical activity and cognitive testing to ensure no lingering symptoms. The timeline for his return will depend on how he responds to each stage of the protocol.

While the NBA has made significant strides in concussion awareness and player safety in recent years, head injuries remain a serious concern in a high-impact sport like basketball. Collins’ situation serves as a reminder of the importance of following proper protocols and prioritizing player health above all else.

As the Spurs navigate through this latest injury challenge, they will look to their depth and resilience to maintain their competitive edge on the court while allowing Collins the necessary time to recover fully from his concussion.