The Cardinals have tight end Trey McBride in concussion protocol, the result of his helmet-to-helmet collision with Lions DB Brian Branch on Sunday.

It was a frightening moment, both men down on the turf late in the game.

"We're trying to coach guys where it keeps them out of harm's way so to speak, but football is a combative violent sport and unfortunately, those happen," Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon said. "The one in our game, I walked out there, and I know Trey walked off, but Branch was down. ... I was concerned for the guy. I've played DB, I've seen that collision happen and you have concern for the player laying on the field.

"I actually asked (Lions head coach) Dan (Campbell) 'is he OK?' And Dan was like, 'Yeah'. Then Dan asked right away, 'How's your guy?' You don't want to see that as a coach, but you understand that's part of the sport too. I think the NFL has done a good job of making rules, so you try to eliminate some of those, which that's good for business. You don't want to see guys get head injuries."

The health of McBride is paramount. It also impacts what can happen on the field too, however. McBride still hasn't had a big game this season but he remains one of Kyler Murray's favorite and trusted targets. (The Commanders are already ruling out running back Austin Ekeler for Sunday's game because of the concussion he suffered Monday night.

"Obviously it hurts us, that he may or may not be in the game." Murray said. "For me I have all the faith in Elijah (Higgins) and Tip (Reiman) to step up."

McBride did look in good spirits as he walked through the locker room during the portion open to the media, smiling when he saw rookie teammate Marvin Harrison Jr. swarmed by media in front of Harrison's locker.

Cardinals cornerback Max Melton went through a week of concussion protocol earlier this year. He ended up playing the next week.

UPDATE: McBride was ruled out of playing against the Commanders by coach Jonathan Gannon.