Zach Collins Dealing with Concussion After Head Injury

In a concerning development for the San Antonio Spurs, center Zach Collins has entered the NBA’s concussion protocol after suffering a head injury during Sunday’s game against the Brooklyn Nets. The incident occurred when Collins hit his head on the court surface, but he initially seemed fine and continued playing.

However, symptoms of a potential concussion only manifested themselves on Monday morning when Collins woke up feeling unwell. As a precautionary measure, the Spurs promptly placed the 25-year-old in the league’s concussion protocol, ruling him out of at least Monday’s game against the Dallas Mavericks.

Collins will need to pass a series of tests and evaluations before being cleared to return to action, as the Spurs prioritize his long-term health and safety. Head injuries and concussions are taken extremely seriously in the NBA, with teams exercising an abundance of caution to prevent any further complications or long-lasting effects.

The news was first reported by Matthew Tynan of the San Antonio Express-News, who shared the update on Twitter, citing a team source.

In response to Collins’ absence, the Spurs have recalled Dominick Barlow from the G League’s Austin Spurs. Barlow had just arrived in Edinburg, Texas, for a matchup with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers when he received the call-up to the NBA squad.

Additionally, Sandro Mamukelashvili could see an uptick in playing time as the Spurs look to fill the void left by Collins’ absence. The 23-year-old Georgian has impressed with his hustle and energy in limited opportunities this season and may now have a chance to showcase his skills on a larger stage.

Collins’ injury woes have compounded what has already been a difficult campaign for the big man. Earlier in the season, he missed nine games in late December and January due to a knee injury, followed by another three-game absence in late January with a sore ankle.

The Spurs will undoubtedly exercise caution with Collins’ recovery process, as head injuries require careful monitoring and a deliberate approach to ensure the player’s long-term well-being. While his absence is a blow to the team’s depth in the frontcourt, the priority remains protecting Collins from any further complications.

As the NBA season enters its final stretch, the Spurs will hope for a swift and complete recovery for Collins, allowing him to rejoin his teammates on the court as they battle for a playoff spot in the highly competitive Western Conference.