Austin Collie could play against Bears on Sunday

Written by Shane Clemons on Monday, 03 September 2012 16:38.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver, Austin Collie, could be ready to go next Sunday when the Colts play the Bears in their season opener.

Collie, one of the most concussed players in the league, is coming off his 4th concussion in under 2 years. Since his most recent blow to the head, many, including us here at TGS, have wondered whether Collie should take whatever health he has left and walk away from the game.

According to Phillip Wilson of the Indianapolis Star, Collie has no such plan, and the Colts are hoping to have him back for their opener.

#Colts coach Chuck Pagano said WR Austin Collie (concussion) was full go in today's practice and looks good for Sunday.
— Phillip B Wilson (@pwilson24) September 3, 2012

As Brad Gagnon pondered last month, I'm not sure Collie should be returning to the game. The NFL struggles to find a solid middle ground to stand on in the concussion debate. Players refuse to walk away, yet they blame the NFL when their health, more specifically their mental health, fails them in their post NFL careers.

At this point, the NFL can't make Austin Collie walk away from the game, and the Colts can't either. It's a call that only the 4th year wide receivers can make, and it's a call that he should begin to consider very seriously.