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Josh Allen remains in concussion protocol at end of Week 5 practice

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen is in the concussion protocol and his status for Week 5 is uncertain. We break down the fantasy and gambling implications.

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen is injured on a tackle by New England Patriots cornerback Jonathan Jones and strong safety Duron Harmon during the third quarter at New Era Field. Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports

The Buffalo Bills travel to face the Tennessee Titans in Week 5, and there is no word yet on whether quarterback Josh Allen will play. Allen suffered a concussion on a late hit in the Bills Week 4 loss to the Patriots. Head coach Sean McDermott announced on Friday that Allen remains in the concussion protocol.

The concussion protocol requires a player be asymptomatic at rest and then be asymptomatic after exertion. Once they pass those two steps the team can consider clearing them for football activities.

Allen has been listed as limited in practice, but was bumped to a full participant on Friday, and is listed as questionable on the final injury report. That could mean he is getting through the symptoms, but until he’s cleared through the protocol, he can’t play on Sunday. A full practice bodes well, but we’ll likely have to wait for a Saturday update on his status, and even that would be impacted if he felt symptoms on Sunday.

Fantasy football analysis, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen

If Allen doesn’t play, Matt Barkley gets the start. He’s not a fantasy option, and he downgrades receivers like Cole Beasley and John Brown. It’s safe to say he’ll be leaning on Frank Gore and potentially Devin Singletary, if the latter is cleared from his hamstring injury.

Odds analysis

Some sportsbooks have not posted a line as of this publish time because they don’t know if Allen will play. DraftKings Sportsbook is offering the Titans at -3, with a point total of 38. If Allen does not play, it’s hard to justify betting on Buffalo. That being said, they have a strong enough defense that they could turn this into a messy, low-scoring affair. The under makes sense but is tough to bet on at 38, but I would stay clear of any point spread.

Odds and lines subject to change. See website for actual odds.
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