Moss Underwent Concussion Protocol: Here’s What The Protocol Entails

Oct 23, 2019, 3:15 PM

Running back Zack Moss #2 of the Utah Utes rushes the football against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the first half of the college football game at Sun Devil Stadium on November 3, 2018 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

BY TOM HACKETT, KSL SPORTS

KSL Sports

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Zack Moss was targeted midway through the second quarter from a hit that is deserving of a multiple game suspension. A hit that sent him into concussion protocol with the medical staff.

Evan Fields, the player responsible for leading with his helmet and making contact with Moss was ejected from Saturday’s game against the Sun Devils.

Here’s the targeting penalty by Evan Fields against Zack Moss. pic.twitter.com/YMm5umaiK9

— Territorial Sports (@TerritorialAZ) October 19, 2019

Moss was quickly helped by the Utah medical staff and spent a handful of minutes lying on his back while he responded to the trainers and underwent concussion protocol.

Here is what happens when a player is under the protocol.

Before the season starts, every player takes a test. A simple and methodical test that involves questions such as “what is your favorite color?” or “what is your birthday?”.

The medical team on the sideline has access to those answers and asks the player undergoing concussion protocol to respond with the correct answers.

After the game, Moss told me that he was fine.

“I was joking with the medical team while I was lying on the field, I was good the whole time,” Moss said.

Isaac Asiata Was Not So Fortunate

Isaac Asiata, host of Special Forces Gang, found here, told a story where he was not fine.

“In 2012 I was playing scout team in practice. I remember pulling around the tackle and seeing Trevor Reilly who popped out of nowhere and hit me,” Asiata told, “I then remember waking up in my own bedroom, the room was dark.”

Asiata was out for a week because of this head injury. Every second day he had to take the concussion test and did not pass for about a week.

Asiata explained the feeling of being concussed similar to a head cold.

“Your head is heavy and feels foggy, but the rest of your body feels fine. Bright lights and having to concentrate hurts and you quickly have a migraine. I slept a lot,” he said.

Looking Ahead To Cal

Moss will be fit and ready to take on the Cal Bears this Saturday at Rice Eccles Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. and will be televised on FS1.

Unlike last weekend, it looks like the weather will cooperate. Clear skies with temperatures assumed to be in the 40s and 50s are what Ute fans can expect this week.

Reminder

This weekend the University of Utah is celebrating by wearing their Ute Tribe uniforms. Given the 8:00 p.m. kick, they will also be wearing black. Be sure to join the Utes and wear black as we celebrate ”dark mode”.