The NFL uses a system called SCAT II. They have an NFL version of it.
http://www.uwmedicine.org/services/s...ost-Injury.pdf

It has a combination of self-reporting and doctor or trainer administered tests. When the sidelined player passes the test to what ever standard of pass they use, the player is allowed back onto the field.

Return to Play is a much lower standard than what most of us would consider recovered. It tries to protect the player from poor coordination and balance issues and some other issues. The likely have other diagnostic standards to minimize the risk of Second Impact Syndrome.

Keep in mind that these players are costing the team $300,000 to a million dollars per game whether they play or not so getting them back on the field is the priority.

This past week, Ben Rothlesberger stayed out only one game. There is no set time off the field.

Our Boise State Broncos lead running back was out for 2 games a few weeks ago. He was leading the NCAA in stats before a dive for the end zone was met with a defender's helmet. That concussion cost the Broncos 2 losses.

I'm waiting for the ignorant people who say they are supposed to be trying to protect the players to decide that ball carriers need to be better protected when they are diving for yardage. The ball carrier should have the right to dive head first but the defender should be denied the opportunity to dive head first to stop him. There are other ways to stop the ball carrier.

Dr Julian Bailles was trying to get the message out about NFL concussions back in the early 1990's. It has taken far too long to get any changes.