Marvin Mims in Concussion Protocol for the Denver Broncos

In the NFL, player health and safety are paramount—and when a key contributor enters the league’s concussion protocol, it sends ripples through a team’s offense, depth chart, and game plan. Marvin Mims in Concussion Protocol for the Denver Broncos explores the aftermath of the young wide receiver’s injury during the Broncos’ Week 13 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, a setback that threatens to disrupt the team’s momentum as they chase an AFC West title and a Super Bowl berth. Mims, a rookie drafted to add speed and a deep-threat presence to the Broncos’ receiving corps, had recently emerged as a reliable target for quarterback Bo Nix after overcoming early-season hamstring injuries. For the Broncos, his entry into protocol isn’t just a short-term roster change; it’s a test of the team’s depth at wide receiver—a position that was already thin before the injury. As fans and coaches await updates on Mims’ status, the focus shifts to how the Broncos will adapt without one of their most dynamic offensive weapons.

Marvin Mims in Concussion Protocol for the Denver Broncos traces the injury back to a critical play in the third quarter of the Broncos’ 31-24 win over the Raiders. With the Broncos leading 21-17 and facing a third-and-7 from their own 35-yard line, Nix threw a deep pass to Mims, who had beaten Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson down the left sideline. Mims caught the ball for a 32-yard gain but was hit hard by Robertson as he landed, with Robertson’s shoulder making contact with Mims’ helmet. Mims immediately fell to the turf, remained motionless for several seconds, and was attended to by the Broncos’ medical staff for nearly five minutes. He walked off the field under his own power but did not return to the game, and the team announced after the win that he had been evaluated for a concussion and would enter the NFL’s mandatory protocol. “It was a clean hit, but it was a hard one,” said Broncos head coach Sean Payton. “Our first priority is Marvin’s health. We’re going to make sure he’s 100fore he steps back on the field—no exceptions.” Video replays of the play showed no penalty was called, as Robertson’s hit was ruled legal under NFL rules, but it highlighted the physical risks wide receivers face on deep routes.

A key part of Marvin Mims in Concussion Protocol for the Denver Broncos is understanding the NFL’s concussion protocol—a multi-step process designed to ensure players fully recover before returning to competition. The protocol, which was updated in 2023 to include more rigorous testing, has five stages: rest and recovery (no physical activity), light aerobic exercise (like walking or cycling), football-specific activities (like jogging or position drills), team practice (full participation without contact), and clearance to play. Players must pass a series of tests at each stage, including cognitive assessments (like memory and reaction-time drills), balance tests, and medical evaluations from team doctors and an independent neurological consultant. There is no set timeline for recovery—some players return in a week, while others take longer depending on the severity of the concussion. For Mims, the Broncos have not provided a specific return date, but Payton noted that the rookie is “progressing well” through the early stages, including light aerobic exercise. “The protocol is there to protect the player,” said Broncos head athletic trainer Steve Antonopulos. “We don’t rush anyone back. We follow the steps, listen to the player’s feedback, and let the medical data guide our decisions.” This cautious approach is critical, as repeated concussions can have long-term health consequences for NFL players.

Marvin Mims in Concussion Protocol for the Denver Broncos also examines the impact of his absence on the Broncos’ offense, which had recently begun to rely on his speed to stretch defenses. Before the injury, Mims had 18 catches for 320 yards and 2 touchdowns in his last five games, including a 65-yard touchdown catch in the Broncos’ Week 11 win over the Buffalo Bills. His ability to draw double coverage on deep routes opened up space for other receivers like Courtland Sutton and tight end Greg Dulcich, and his 17.8 yards per catch average was the highest among Broncos wide receivers. Without Mims, the Broncos will likely turn to veteran Odell Beckham Jr. to handle deep routes, even though Beckham has struggled with speed and consistency this season (just 10.2 yards per catch). They may also use more two-tight end sets, featuring Dulcich and Albert Okwuegbunam, to add depth to the passing game. “We have to adjust,” said offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi. “Marvin brings a unique skill set—speed that can change a game—but we have other players who can step up. Odell has proven he can make deep catches in the past, and our tight ends can create mismatches in the middle of the field.” For the Denver Broncos, the adjustment won’t be easy—especially with a tough Week 14 matchup against the San Francisco 49ers’ top-ranked defense looming—but it’s a challenge the team believes it can overcome with careful game planning.

Another critical aspect of Marvin Mims in Concussion Protocol for the Denver Broncos is the team’s depth at wide receiver, which will be put to the test while Mims is sidelined. Beyond Sutton and Beckham, the Broncos’ remaining receivers include practice-squad call-up Tyrie Cleveland (11 catches for 135 yards this season) and rookie undrafted free agent Michael Bandy (who has yet to catch a pass in the NFL). To add depth, the Broncos are considering signing a free-agent receiver, with names like former Green Bay Packer Allen Lazard and ex-New England Patriot Jakobi Meyers being mentioned as potential targets. They could also promote Bandy to the active roster to provide more options. “Depth is something we’ve talked about all season,” said general manager George Paton. “We knew wide receiver was a thin position, and Marvin’s injury highlights that. We’re exploring all options to make sure we have enough bodies and enough talent to compete.” For the Denver Broncos, adding a free agent would be a short-term fix, but it’s a necessary one—especially with the playoffs approaching. The team can’t afford to enter a critical stretch of the season with only two proven wide receivers, and signing a veteran would provide both depth and experience.

Looking ahead, Marvin Mims in Concussion Protocol for the Denver Broncos will remain a key storyline in the coming weeks, as fans and coaches wait for updates on his recovery. While the Broncos are hopeful Mims can return by Week 16 (a divisional matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs), they’re not taking any chances—emphasizing that his long-term health is more important than any single game. In the meantime, the team will focus on adapting its offense, testing its depth, and continuing to win games to secure a playoff spot. “Marvin is a big part of our team, but football is a team sport,” said Payton. “We have to rally together, make adjustments, and keep winning while he’s out. When he comes back, we’ll be even stronger.” For the Denver Broncos, Mims’ injury is a hurdle, but it’s not a roadblock. The team has already shown resilience this season, overcoming injuries to other key players, and they’re confident they can do it again. Marvin Mims in Concussion Protocol for the Denver Broncos isn’t just a story about an injury—it’s a story about how a team responds to adversity, and how it stays focused on its goal of winning a Super Bowl.