NFL

Broncos rule out QB Russell Wilson due to concussion

By Sports Desk December 16, 2022

The Denver Broncos will be without Russell Wilson against the Arizona Cardinals.

Denver confirmed on Friday that Wilson was out for Sunday's game as the quarterback continues his recovery from a concussion.

Wilson passed NFL concussion protocol and wanted to feature against the Cardinals, but the decision was taken out of his hands.

The 34-year-old is in line to return against the Los Angeles Rams on Christmas Day.

Coach Nathaniel Hackett told reporters: "Russell Wilson has passed concussion protocols.

"With that being said, as an organisation we've decided to give him another week to get ready, so he's ready to go for the Rams.

"Russ is one of our ultimate competitors in this game, he's unbelievable.

"We informed him of the decision. He's not happy with it, he wants to be out there and play, he's very competitive as we all know – he wants to be there for this team and be out there.

"We as an organisation, after talking throughout this entire week, have decided it's what's best for our organisation, best for Russell.

"We've talked about this from the top all the way to the bottom. We looked at every single thing and decided to give him another week to get ready."

Wilson suffered the issue during the fourth quarter of the Broncos' loss to the Kansas City Chiefs last week - a defeat that eliminated Denver, who sit bottom of the AFC West with a 3-10 record, from playoff contention.

He has thrown 2,805 yards for 11 touchdowns this season, following his switch from the Seattle Seahawks.

Brett Rypien, who has played twice this year, will fill in on Sunday.

"We're very confident in Ryp, very excited about Ryp and this opportunity to go against Arizona Cardinals," Hackett added.

While he believes he could have played, Wilson understands the team's call.

"For me, I always want to be out on the field, no matter what the circumstances are," he told reporters.

"At the same time it was a collective decision by the organisation to get some extra rest. Ryp is ready to rock and roll, and our team – it was a great week of practice, it was good to be out there and practice.

"These guys are special, I want to be out there and compete with them. I'm going to do everything I can on the sideline to make sure we get the win.

"Concussion is a serious thing. Everybody did a great job all week, making sure I was good to go. I feel great."

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