Texans' coach responds to Tom Savage concussion controversy

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Why was Texans' quarterback Tom Savage allowed to go back onto the field after exhibiting signs of a concussion in Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers?

That question was immediately addressed by coach Bill O'Brien on Monday.

O'Brien said he never saw Savage get hit from his vantage point on the 50-yard line, and he doesn't have access to video.

"With benefit of seeing the video, obviously from my standpoint, the care for the player, I never would have let that player back in the game. And I don't believe Geoff Kaplan (head trainer) would have allowed that player back in the game. I don't have benefit of the video, " said O'Brien.

Savage was injured when he was driven to the ground on a hit by Elvis Dumervil with about nine minutes left in the second quarter. Replays showed Savage looking dazed after his head hit the ground with both of his arms lifted upward shaking.

He was taken to the medical tent where he stayed for less than three minutes before returning to the bench and going back in for the next series. He threw two incompletions on that drive, and Houston's team doctor approached him after he returned to the sideline after that possession.

Savage tried repeatedly to enter the game on the next series, but a team official kept grabbing Savage's jersey and his arm and pulled him away from the field. He then could be seen arguing with that person and the team's trainer before being escorted to the locker room.

Read more here about the NFL's head, neck and spine committee's concussion diagnosis and management protocol.

The Texans lost the game 26-16.

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