Buffalo Bills quarterback Kevin Kolb reportedly suffered a concussion against the Washington Redskins in Saturday's preseason loss. The concussion is considered "serious" and could be career-ending, ESPN reports.
Kolb scrambled in the first quarter, dove for a first down and subsequently got kneed in the back of his helmet. He finished the final four plays of the drive before leaving the field with "concussion-like symptoms."
Buffalo believes Kolb suffered a "serious" concussion, which could put the 29-year-old signal caller's career in jeopardy, according to an ESPN league source.
Kolb's history of concussions is a concern for the Bills. He's had at least three concussions since being selected in the second round of the 2007 NFL draft, missing time in 2010 and 2012 because of head-injuries.
With the NFL's push for player safety, it could be a long time before Kolb returns to the field - if ever. He's expected to undergo a number of tests, and the Bills appear unwilling to hurry him back to the field, despite having major questions at quarterback.
A career ending prematurely because of concussions isn't unheard of. Detroit Lions running back Jahvid Best, 24, had a history of concussions that derailed his career. Best, drafted 30th overall in 2010, played only 22 games for Detroit. He sustained at least one concussion during his college career at California, and then two more concussions in 2011 with the Lions.
Doctors never cleared Best to return to football, and he missed the entire 2012 season before being released in July.
Given Kolb's history of concussions, he could face a similar fate. In the interest of player safety and avoiding lawsuits, team doctors may never clear him to play.
