Broncos coach John Fox will often begin answering injury questions with the phrase “I’m not a doctor, ...” but on Monday he sounded almost like one.
According to Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com, Fox was careful not to describe Wes Welker’s concussion as “mild.”
“I can’t give a level. It’s just a concussion,” Fox said. “I don’t think there’s part concussion, half concussion. Either you’re concussed or you’re not, the way I understand it.”
While it might seem like a small distinction, it’s actually quite important (even as John Harbaugh was describing Bernard Pierce as having a mild concussion). Getting coaches to accept the seriousness of head injuries is a huge step, as for too long, there was a “rub some dirt on it,” element to the business.
But since this is Welker’s third concussion in 10 months, the Broncos have no choice but to take it seriously.
“Our first priority is his safety and well-being,” Fox said. “I know as an organization his well-being is our first priority. . . . We just take it one day at a time. We’ll see how he gets through today, and I get updated on every day medically on every player, including Wes in this case. We’ll see what tomorrow brings.”
Fox said he talked to Welker, who was in good spirits, and didn’t get the feeling his receiver was thinking about retirement.
“That’s not been brought up at all,” Fox said. “I didn’t sense that.”
While his condition remains uncertain, he at least has the benefit of working for a coach who doesn’t minimize the impact of brain injuries.