Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle exited Sunday’s matchup against the Carolina Panthers to the locker room following a concerning collision in the first quarter. The incident occurred during a pass play over the middle, where Waddle attempted to secure a throw from quarterback Bo Nix while flanked by two defenders. Carolina safety Zakee Wheatley delivered a direct hit to Waddle’s facemask with the crown of his helmet as the receiver leapt for the ball, prompting an immediate sideline response.
Bo Nix’s target exits after Zakee Wheatley collision; Riley Moss also evaluated for concussion
Following the contact, Waddle entered the sideline medical tent and underwent an on-field concussion protocol evaluation. Although he initially appeared to stabilize, the receiver did not return to the field and instead jogged directly to the Broncos locker room. The absence of a definitive return signal raised immediate questions about his availability for the remainder of the contest, with team officials yet to confirm whether he would be ruled out for the game.
The defensive side of the ball also suffered a potential setback when Broncos cornerback Riley Moss was evaluated for a concussion in the second quarter. Moss sustained a head hit while executing a tackle, adding to the injury concerns for Denver. As of the latest updates, it remains unclear if either Waddle or Moss will be declared out for the remainder of the game, leaving the Broncos’ coaching staff in a precarious position regarding their key perimeter personnel.
Source: Yahoo Sports
