The Cincinnati Bengals’ season is shaping to be another disappointing and frustrating year for fans. Even after starting with two wins, the news of Joe Burrow’s injury poured cold water on their title hopes, and the first loss without the quarterback already came in Week 3.
And it is not just Burrow who will miss time on offense. During the loss to the Minnesota Vikings, tight end Noah Fant left the game with a concussion and did not return. Here’s an update on the player’s status for the Bengals’ next matchup and the protocol he must follow moving forward.
Will Noah Fant Suit Up For the Week 4 Match Against the Broncos?
The Cincinnati offense looked nothing like the unit it was in 2024 with its stars on the field. Without Burrow, the passing game loses its appeal, and defenses can focus more on stopping the run, limiting offensive options, and narrowing the system’s outlets.
And things only get worse when the team loses its tight end mid-game. Fant suffered a concussion against the Vikings and did not return. Head coach Zac Taylor confirmed he is currently in the concussion protocol, leaving his status for Monday Night Football against the Denver Broncos in doubt.
Before the injury, Fant had a costly fumble late in the first half that was returned for a touchdown by Isaiah Rodgers. This extended Minnesota’s lead to three touchdowns and contributed to the 48-10 blowout win, even as the Vikings were also without their starting quarterback, turning to Carson Wentz instead.
Now, Fant must clear the concussion protocol to face his former team, which drafted him in 2019. He was Denver’s first-round pick and the 20th overall. The fact that the game will be played on Monday gives him extra time to recover and potentially suit up to help Cincinnati’s already depleted offense.
The protocol involves a series of steps that must be strictly followed before a player can be cleared for contact again. First, the athlete must be tested in light physical activity and aerobic workouts and monitored to see if any concussion symptoms return. If none appear, he can then move on to strength training.
Read More: Noah Fant Injury Update: Bengals Announce Latest on TE’s Status in Week 3
The final stage includes football-specific drills without contact, such as passing and catching, and neurocognitive and balance tests that must be completed successfully. Only then can the player return to full-contact practice and be cleared to play.
The entire process must be supervised and approved by an Independent Neurotrauma Consultant (UNC) to ensure the tests are safe and the team does not rush.
Last week, the San Francisco 49ers’ fullback cleared the protocol and could play against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday. Therefore, Fant may be on the field against the Broncos on Monday, as long as he clears the protocol.