Victor Wembanyama Enters Concussion Protocol: When Will He Return?

How long does concussion protocol last for NBA players?

Under the league's current policy, players who are diagnosed with a concussion won't be allowed to return for at least 48 hours.

"After brief period of rest (24-48 hours) after injury, the player can be encouraged, under the direction of a team physician, to become gradually and progressively more active, so long as the activity level does not bring on or worsen the player’s symptoms," the policy states. "Accordingly, a player who is diagnosed with concussion should consider limiting his use of electronic games and devices, be educated by a member of the team’s medical staff about the need for appropriate sleep, nutrition, and hydration, and limit his exposure to large groups of people until he is cleared by a member of the team’s medical staff to do so (e.g., refrain from any post-game fan appreciation activities or media availability)."

In order for Wembanyama to return, he must check off the following boxes:

• Be without concussion-related symptoms at rest.
• Have been been evaluated by a physician with training and experience in the management of concussion.
• Have successfully completed the NBA return-to-participation exertion process.
• A team physician has discussed the return-to-participation process and decision with the Director of the NBA Concussion Program.

Luckily for the Spurs, Game 3 of their series with the Trail Blazers won't take place until Friday. There's a chance Wembanyama could be cleared by tipoff.

If Wembanyama isn't ready by Game 3, it's hard to imagine he'll be ready for Game 4 on Sunday.

The Spurs should provide an update on Wembanyama in the next 24 hours.