Packers running back AJ Dillon leaves game in second half with possible concussion

The Green Bay Packers saw one of their biggest weapons, AJ Dillon. go down with injury and exit the game to be evaluated for a concussion. With the Packers leading 24-12 late in the game, it appeared unlikely that Dillon would return the field after jogging into the locker room in the NFL’s concussion protocols.

Dillon finished his day with 36 rushing yards, 35 receiving yards and two touchdowns before entering the injury tent and eventually going to the locker room for further evaluation.

AJ Dillon examined for concussion during Green Bay win

“AJ Dillon was in the medical tent and just went back to the Packers locker room with the ‘red hat’ — the unaffiliated neuro-consultant. Which lets us know that he’s being evaluated for a potential concussion,” reported ESPN’s Lisa Salters during the game.

Dillon was caught on the broadcast feed jogging off the field under his own power without his helmet, apparently indicating that he failed the initial sideline examination. The NFL rules call for an extensive sideline evaluation in the team’s medical tent before approving a player to return to action, with a failed exam in any capacity leading to a full examination inside the locker room.

As of the final whistle in Green Bay’s win on Monday night, it was unclear if Dillon had been officially diagnosed with a concussion at that time.

The win was a massive one to the Packers’ playoff chances as the NFC playoff picture begins to finalize itself. Green Bay will need a good amount of help in order to jump into a wild card position, but the win pushed them to 6-8 on the year and kept their chances alive. The Vikings have already secured the division, but the Packers remain just one win behind the rest of the wild card hunt after Week 15.