VIDEO: Mike Tolbert Injured, Fumbles On Hard Hit

The hit that forced Mike Tolbert to leave the field early in today’s Chargers-Bengals matchup looks benign at first glance.

Cincinnati safety Reggie Nelson lowers a shoulder to hit Tolbert as Tolbert lowers his head, and Tolbert’s head appears to jerk back. (Apologies for quality, but YouTube doesn’t have much as of yet.) It’s only when Tolbert stays down that it’s clear that Tolbert might have a neck injury, a concussion, or worse.

Tolbert’s only confirmed injury so far is a neck injury, but he has been able to move his arms and legs, so paralysis appears to not be a concern at this point. While no concussion has been mentioned yet, it wouldn’t be surprising at all, given the head trauma Tolbert clearly suffers on the play.

Tolbert will not return to the Chargers’ game. It is also too early to determine if he will be available for any future games for San Diego.