Team news: New York Giants | Page 31

Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen was put in the concussion protocol after taking a brutal helmet-to-helmet hit during Sunday’s game against Washington.

Related players: Ian Thomas, Chris Manhertz

Kyle Allen hit Olsen on a short pass and Olsen had room to run and started charging toward the first-down marker. About a yard or two short of the marker, Olsen took a vicious helmet-to-helmet hit from linebacker Ryan Anderson. Olsen fumbled on the play, and may have been knocked out by the hit. After being evaluated by athletic trainers, Olsen left the game and went into concussion protocol. He was ruled out for the rest of the contest. Anderson was ejected for the illegal hit. Thomas is next up if Olsen can't go in Week 14.

Denver Post beat writer Ryan O'Halloran answered a question about Drew Lock:

The Broncos, of course, want Drew Lock to succeed and the current situation — chiefly, the leaky pass protection — may be giving John Elway, Vic Fangio and Co., pause about when to start Lock. I would start Brandon Allen against the Chargers and then hand the keys to Lock for the final four games.

Obviously this is just the writer's plan, but he feels letting Lock take in a game as a backup first would be better than throwing him in a game when activated - especially with a lost season already.

Vic Fangio said Monday “all options are on the table” regarding rookie Drew Lock.

He could get his first start Sunday.

He could be Brandon Allen’s backup.

Related players: Brett Rypien

Fangio said the decision will be made in the next few days. The team has until Dec. 3 to activate Lock, who is coming off a thumb injury. The story said the team could turn to Rypien who is healthy and has practice all season.

Golden Tate is in the concussion protocol.

Related players: Darius Slayton, Sterling Shepard

Cause of the concussion is the way he landed on the touchdown reception, the tweet went on to say. If Tate needs to miss time, the fantasy value will still be there for Slayton who led the team in yards with 67 on Sunday against the Bears. Shepard went 5-15-0 in his return from a concussion.

Two players made their long-awaited debuts as the Denver Broncos practiced on Tuesday: rookie quarterback Drew Lock and free agent cornerback Bryce Callahan.

Related players: Brandon Allen

Lock landed on injured reserve to start the season after spraining his right thumb during an exhibition game against San Francisco in mid-August. The Broncos will have to make a decision on his status by Dec. 3. If they don’t activate him by that date, he’ll stay on IR and his season will be over. Reports seem to indicate Lock will activated at some point and it makes sense the Broncos would like to get a look at him this season.