Laurent Duvernay-Tardif injury update: Chiefs lineman has concussion

The Kansas City Chiefs will be without Laurent Duvernay-Tardif along the offensive line until he clears the league’s concussion protocol.

Laurent Duvernay-Tardif has missed practice the last couple days due to a head injury of some kind, and the Kansas City Chiefs have now confirmed that he officially has a concussion.

Duvernay-Tardif will not be able to practice or play again until he has passed the measures necessary to clear the league’s concussion protocols. There’s a five-step process that any player must pass before being cleared for full activities again which means the Chiefs might be without LDT for a bit. It all depends on which player but the order goes like this (with full details here):

1. Rest and relaxation – Waiting for neurological signs to return to normal without stress.
2. Light aerobic exercise – Some cardio alongside stretching allowed
3. Aerobic + strength training – Drills can enter this part of the equation
4. Football specific activities – All non-contact drills/programs are available here
5. Fully cleared for return

Neurological staff are watching at each phase here, and a player might progress through them in a single day or it might take significant time if the increase in activity brings up any potential balance issues or other symptoms/concerns.

Duvernay-Tardif is a pillar along the Chiefs offensive front, a security on the right side compared to a problematic left side that has served as a carousel for years. Together with Mitchell Schwartz, the Chiefs have a stout right side that is sorely underrated. He’s now entering the second year of a five-year extension he signed last offseason worth up to $42 million.

Without LDT in the line-up, back-up tackle Andrew Wylie was given reps at right guard with the first team as the Chiefs continue to develop versatile linemen for issues such as this. The team also has Bryan Witzmann and Parker Ehinger as capable guards along with Jordan Devey on the bench.