Alex Smith leaves game with concussion after second apparent head injury

Alex Smith was forced to leave Sunday’s game against the Colts.

Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith left Sunday’s game against the Colts in the third quarter after his second apparent head injury of the day. He was diagnosed with a concussion and ruled out for the rest of the game.

Smith first left in the first quarter to be evaluated for a possible concussion but returned after clearing the concussion protocol. The first injury came on a helmet-to-helmet hit by Edwin Jackson while Smith attempting to slide in the first quarter. He returned in the second quarter after passing concussion tests. 

In the third quarter, Smith’s head collided with the turf and his neck was twisted, forcing him to leave the game again. 

Smith was replaced by Nick Foles on both occasions.

Smith has completed 67.8% of his passes this season for 1,511 yards, with seven touchdowns and two interceptions. The Chiefs are off to a 4–2 start. 

Foles joined the Chiefs after falling out of favor with the Rams. He had seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions last season.