Green Bay Packers defensive back Sam Shields has entered the NFL’s concussion protocol and won’t be able to return to the field until team doctors and an independent neurologist clear him.
Shields suffered his second concussion in nine months and fourth dating back to his college days while making a tackle on Jacksonville running back T.J. Yeldon late in Sunday’s game.
Under the NFL’s concussion guidelines, Shields must now pass a series of tests before he can even practice again.
Shields suffered a concussion last season against Dallas on Dec. 13 and missed a total of four games. He returned for the team’s divisional playoff game at Arizona on Jan. 16.
The Packers are expected to go with Quinten Rollins in Shields place. Rollins was benched in Sunday’s game but eventually returned to break up a pass in the end zone that would have given the Jaguars the lead with under a minute left to play in the game.
AUDIO: Mike McCarthy on Sam Shields concussion :14
AUDIO: Mike McCarthy says they’ll keep Shields past concussion history in mind :10
Steuck waived
Offensive lineman Kyle Steuck, who suffered a broken leg in the Packers’ final exhibition game against Kansas City and was put on injured reserve, has been waived with an injury settlement.
Steuck is expected to recover in about two months.