The Baltimore Ravens continue their journey towards a million injuries as quarterback Joe Flacco enters the concussion protocol.
Ravens offensive lineman Ryan Jensen tackled Alonso before Dolphins defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh hit Jensen and stayed on top of him. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh was livid on the sidelines, challenging Alonso right after the hit. Flacco looked glassy-eyed as he got up and held the left side of his face while he walked into the locker room for evaluation with 3 minutes remaining in the first half. Ryan Mallett took his place under center and threw a touchdown to Benjamin Watson, extending the Ravens' lead to 20-0.
Flacco had clearly given himself up by sliding at the end of a 9-yard scramble when Alonso lowered his shoulder and delivered a vicious blow that immediately knocked the helmet off of the Baltimore Ravens quarterback. Alonso was flagged for unnecessary roughness on the play, and Flacco didn't return to the game after leaving for the locker room to undergo testing.
In addition to the concussion, Flacco suffered a cut to his ear, which required stitches, Ravens coach John Harbaugh said after the game.
Although Alonso was penalized 15 yards, he was not ejected for the infraction. After having his own helmet knocked off by Ravens center Ryan Jensen in retaliation, Alonso found himself face-to-face in a verbal confrontation with an irate Harbaugh.
Flacco will now enter concussion protocol testing which he will have to pass before he can take the field again.
