Colts QB Jacoby Brissett will play against the Titans

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett passed the NFL’s concussion protocol and will play in Week 12 against the Tennessee Titans, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Following the Colts’ Week 10 loss against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Brissett developed concussion-like symptoms — and the Colts placed him into the NFL’s concussion protocol.

On Saturday, one day before a Week 12 game against a divisional rival, Indianapolis’ physician and an independent neurological consultant medically cleared him to play on Sunday.

What happened?

During the fourth quarter against the Steelers, Brissett took a huge hit to the head and was slow to return to his feet. The Colts’ medical staff went on the field and checked on him. A few moments later, they ushered him to the sidelines and put him through concussion tests, which he passed. Brissett threw for 222 yards to go along with two touchdowns and an interception in that 20-17 loss.

He developed the concussion-like symptoms after the game, which caused the Colts to place him in the NFL’s concussion protocol. But luckily for Indianapolis, it had a bye week in Week 12.

On Monday, November 20, Colts head coach Chuck Pagano told Zak Keefer of indystar.com that Brissett “should be OK.” Brissett took “the lion’s share” of snaps during Monday’s practice, and Pagano said he looked good. Even though Brissett was still in the concussion protocol, Pagano said the Colts “should be fine.”

Brissett was a full participant in each of the Colts’ practices this week, and the team can finally breathe a sigh of relief. The team doctor and neurologist medically cleared him, so he will line up under center against the Titans.

Why does this matter?

The Colts dodged a huge bullet. This team already lost Andrew Luck, who is recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, for the season. The Colts’ offense wouldn’t pose much of a threat without Brissett.

At 3-7, the Colts are trying to end their season on a high note, although their chances of making the playoffs are slim. The team as a whole has been hard to watch this year, but Brissett was one of the few bright spots. If the Colts want to knock off the Titans, they have to protect Brissett, who was sacked three times against the Steelers and a total of 35 times this season.

Brissett has thrown for 2,172 yards to go along with nine touchdowns and five interceptions this season. He also racked up 154 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Outside of receiver T.Y. Hilton, Brissett has been the Colts’ lone threat on offense.