Colts’ Nyheim Hines, like Tua Tagovailoa, needs help standing after hit, shows ‘gross motor instability’

Indianapolis Colts running back Nyheim Hines had to be helped off the field Thursday night early in the game against the Denver Broncos and has been ruled out due to NFL concussion protocol.

In the Colts’ first possession, Nyheim got hit, then had trouble standing and had to be helped to maintain his balance. He was taken to the locker room to be tested for a concussion after exhibiting “gross motor instability” on the field, per Ian Rapoport.

Hines caught a 5-yard pass from Matt Ryan before being hit by D.J. Jones and Nik Bonitto. He is done for the night, per Adam Schefter.

Hines’ injury comes a week after Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa sustained a concussion on a sack against the Cincinnati Bengals. The former Alabama All-American’s severe reaction caused him to be placed on a backboard and strapped to a stretcher before being transported to University of Cincinnati Medical Center.

The week prior, Tagovailoa completed an 8-yard completion to Jaylen Waddle against the Buffalo Bills. He was hitting, and Miami was the benefactor of a roughing-the-passer penalty. But the back of the quarterback’s helmet banged off the turf. When Tagovailoa wobbled getting up, the assumption was he’d had a concussion.

Tagovailoa said it was a back injury, and he passed concussion protocol. He returned to the game in the second half.

Mark Heim is a sports reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim.

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