The Chicago Bears have decided to sideline strong safety Jaquan Brisker for at least the next month of the 2024 season due to lingering concussion symptoms that have kept him out since their Week 5 matchup against the Carolina Panthers.
On November 14, the Bears placed Brisker on the injured reserve list, meaning he’ll miss a minimum of four games and won’t be eligible to rejoin the 53-man roster until at least Week 15, just before their road game in Minnesota.
Brisker has been in the NFL’s concussion protocol since October 7 and hasn’t played since the Week 5 victory over the Panthers. He sustained the concussion during the second quarter of that game while delivering a hit on tight end Tommy Tremble, who lowered his helmet into Brisker’s, resulting in a turnover and later earning a fine.
After the play, Brisker went to the sideline, where he was evaluated for a concussion by the NFLPA’s unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant, who eventually cleared him to return. He rejoined the game in the third quarter and finished the Bears’ 36-10 win, but he entered concussion protocol the next day after reporting symptoms.
“This was the helmet-to-helmet hit that caused Jaquan Brisker’s concussion in Week 5,” wrote The 33rd Team’s Ari Meirov on X following the Bears’ announcement. “He is still in protocol and now being placed on IR. A very concerning situation.”
Brisker has now sustained three diagnosed concussions in his first three NFL seasons, heightening concerns about his long-term health and safety.
