It’s scary when a player as young and talented as Denver Broncos rookie wide receiver Pat Bryant suffers as many concussions as he has this early in an NFL career, including getting knocked out in the first quarter of last week’s overtime win over the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Divisional Round.
The problem here is autonomy, and as long as Bryant passes through concussion protocol you would likely need the National Guard to keep him off the field for Sunday’s AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots in Denver.
To be totally clear — the Broncos will also likely need Bryant if they’re going to try and pull off the upset over the Patriots without starting quarterback Bo Nix, who is out with a fractured ankle.
Bryant was a full participant in practice on Thursday and the only debate moving forward seemed to be if he will need to wear a Guardian cap or not — he did have one on at practice.
“Pat Bryant was ‘asymptomatic’ this week after suffering his concussion last week, per Sean Payton,” DNVR’s Zac Stevens wrote on Friday. “Said they’ll upgrade his helmet if necessary.”
Bryant was absolutely torching the Bills before he suffered his third concussion in the last 15 months with 3 receptions for 32 yards on 3 targets in the first quarter, with the injury coming on the third catch.
“Broncos WR Pat Bryant (concussion) has been ruled out for remainder of game,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport wrote on his official X account.
Concerns Over Bryant’s Repeated Head Injuries
The biggest concern moving forward isn’t over Bryant’s talent but his repeated head injuries.
“Broncos’ Pat Bryant has suffered 3 different concussions in the last 15 months,” Dr. Jesse Morse wrote on X. “October 2024 — missed 0 games. December 2025 — missed 1 game. January 2026 — already full practiced, and should clear the concussion protocol. Bryant is the exception to the rule. Most guys miss 1-2 games with their 2nd concussion in as many months. Bryant amazingly cleared the protocol in as few days as possible.”
Bryant missed 2 games late in the season following a concussion against the Jacksonville Jaguars on December 21.
“Scary situation involving Broncos WR Pat Bryant—who a brutal, but clean hit over the middle of the field,” Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer posted on X in reaction on December 21. “Both teams on a knee. Bryant’s facemask unscrewed from his helmet. Hope for the best …”
Bryant’s Injury Setback Came With WR2 Role in Sight
Bryant’s injury against the Jaguars came as he was beginning to take over the WR2 role in the offense from second-year wide receiver Troy Franklin, who is dealing with his own injury issues headed into the AFC Championship Game.
From the Locked on Broncos podcast on December 10: “Pat Bryant has now seemingly, over the last three weeks become the second wide receiver … he is taking over an increased snap count over some other wide receivers that have been heavily in the rotation. We’re seeing the trust factor increase. It feels like the coaching staff trusts Bryant and that trust between he and Bo Nix is also growing and evolving week after week. But it’s not like he buys into his own hype. He just goes out there and works.”
Broncos Give Positive Update on Rookie WR Pat Bryant