DENVER -- Indianapolis Colts running back Nyheim Hines suffered a concussion after taking a hard hit Thursday night against the Denver Broncos and was later ruled out for the game.
Hines was hurt on the opening drive. He stumbled as he got to his feet and was taken to the locker room to be evaluated.
Hines may have displayed an example of "gross motor instability" after taking the hit, an aspect of the concussion protocol currently being discussed by the NFL and NFL Players Association in the wake of Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's concussion in last week's Thursday night game in Cincinnati.
Tagovailoa remained in the Dolphins' Sept. 25 game against the Buffalo Bills after struggling to get to his feet after a hit. He left the field before being cleared to return, only to be hospitalized during last week's game after taking another hit to the head.
Hines' absence exacerbated the Colts' difficult running back situation, as All-Pro Jonathan Taylor missed the Thursday night game with an ankle injury. Deon Jackson and former Broncos standout Phillip Lindsay carried the load, with Jackson rushing for 62 yards on 13 carries and Lindsay rushing for 40 yards on 11 carries.
Indianapolis won 12-9 in overtime.