Arch Manning concussion status and return to play explained

Morgan Moriarty

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

TL;DR

  • * Texas Longhorns QB Arch Manning is cleared to play against Vanderbilt after a concussion.
  • * Manning sustained a concussion late in the game against Mississippi State.
  • * He was in concussion protocol and missed practice but participated Wednesday and Thursday.
  • * Manning was removed from the injury report Friday and is expected to start Saturday.

1. 20 Texas Longhorns are assuming the No. The Vanderbilt Commodores will play on Saturday afternoon. The primary narrative preceding the game concerns the availability of Texas's starting signal-caller, Arch Manning. 

Manning was taken to the injury tent late in last week's victory against Mississippi State and was subsequently diagnosed with a concussion. His availability for Texas' Saturday contest has been inconsistent all week long. 

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

MORE: Matthew Caldwell is the next quarterback in line for The Texas Longhorns.

Updates on Arch Manning's concussion protocol

Manning seemed to strike his helmet on the ground late in Saturday's contest with Mississippi State. He was assisted off the field and promptly went into Texas' sideline injury tent. 

He stayed in the injury tent for the remainder of the game, with his backup, Matthew Caldwell, taking his place. In overtime, Caldwell's touchdown pass secured a 45-38 victory for Texas 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 mentioned that Manning was undergoing concussion protocol: 

Sarkisian confirmed added that Manning participated in team practices on Wednesday and Thursday, though he is still 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 clearly still following protocol. Michael has practiced for the last two days, following established protocol steps.

Sarkisian stated on Thursday that he possessed no updated details regarding Manning's condition. 

“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?

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

Arch Manning's return date?

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?

College football concussion protocol

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. 

MORE: How Arch Manning's speed compares to Peyton, Eli

Morgan Moriarty

Morgan Moriarty joined The Sporting News as a content producer in the fall of 2024. Her sports journalism career started at the University of Florida in 2012, where she graduated in 2015. She has covered college football and basketball, the NFL and numerous other major sports for outlets like the Tampa Bay Times, Saturday Down South, UPROXX Sports and SB Nation. She also covers college football for Bleacher Report, and is a featured guest on various CNN programs.