Arch Manning concussion protocol, explained: Updated status on Texas QB's return from injury

Morgan Moriarty

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Arch Manning concussion protocol, explained: Updated status on Texas QB's return from injury image

The No. 20 Texas Longhorns are taking on the No. 9 Vanderbilt Commodores on Saturday afternoon. The biggest storyline heading into the matchup is the status of Texas starting quarterback Arch Manning. 

Late in last week's win over Mississippi State, Manning entered the injury tent and was later diagnosed with a concussion. His status for Texas' game on Saturday has been fluctuating throughout the week. 

Let's take a look at the latest on Manning's injury and whether he will play against the Commodores.  

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Arch Manning concussion protocol updates

Late in last Saturday's game against Mississippi State, Manning appeared to hit his helmet on the turf. He was helped off the field and immediately entered Texas' injury tent on the sideline. 

He remained in the injury tent the rest of the game, and his backup, Matthew Caldwell entered the game for him. Caldwell threw a touchdown pass in overtime to give Texas a 45-38 overtime victory in Starkville. 

ESPN reported that Manning sustained a concussion during the game, which was confirmed by Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian on Monday after the game. Sarkisian added that Manning was in the concussion protocol: 

Sarkisian added that Manning practiced with the team on both Wednesday and Thursday, but he remains in the protocol. Texas safety Michael Taffee is also in the protocol.

"They both practiced here today," coach Steve Sarkisian said during Wednesday's SEC coaches teleconference. "Arch is obviously still in protocol. There are steps as it pertains to protocol, but Michael's practiced the last two days."

On Thursday, Sarkisian added that he did not have any new information on Manning's status: 

“I don’t have anything beyond that for Arch,: Sarkisian said. "Just because we have to follow the protocol of the days and the reps, but Arch is making good progress as well as Michael.” 

On Friday, Manning was removed from Texas' injury report and is in line to start Saturday.

MORE: How is Arch Manning related to Peyton and Eli?

Is Arch Manning playing?

Manning is set to play Saturday after being removed from Texas' injury report on Friday. He had been listed as questionable while attempting to clear concussion protocol.

On Friday, On3's Pete Nakos reported that Manning would be a game-time decision for Saturday's game.

ESPN's Molly McGrath reported on Friday that the Longhorns hoped to have Manning available for Saturday's matchup.

Now, it appears Texas' hopes will be fulfilled with Manning cleared.

MORE: NCAA rules, evaluation process and more to know about concussion protocol

How long is Arch Manning out?

Manning has been cleared to play on Saturday, so his concussion ultimately won't cost him any games. 

MORE: Why did Arch Manning go to Texas?

How concussion protocol works in college football

Like any contact sport, both schools and the NCAA have medical personnel that are specifically trained in concussion management to evaluate the athlete. These professionals look at symptoms like loss of consciousness or balance, and confusion, and these typically result in immediate removal from play. 

If an athlete is confirmed to have suffered a concussion, they immediately enter concussion protocol, which includes post-concussion management. The multi-step process has six stages that athletes undergo, ranging from limiting symptoms from daily activities, light aerobic exercise to limited participation in practice before being fully cleared for practice. 

Manning has practiced on Wednesday and Thursday, but it appears he hasn't been fully cleared just yet. 

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