Alabama vs. Arkansas: Tyler Wilson's Health Is More Important Than the Game

Will Tyler Wilson play, or will he sit?

That's been the biggest question in Fayetteville this week after the senior signal-caller for the Razorbacks was knocked our of Arkansas' 34-31 overtime loss to Louisiana-Monroe with what has been termed as a "head injury."

Arkansas released a statement on Friday on Wilson's status for Saturday's showdown with the No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide in Fayetteville, according to Chris Bahn of ArkansasSports360.com:

"

John L. says QB Tyler Wilson's status a "gametime decision."

— Chris Bahn (@cbahn) September 14, 2012"

While it's still a possibility that Wilson runs out there versus the Crimson Tide, the outlook doesn't look good:

"

Suppose it won't be official until tomorrow, but I'm told not to expect him to play.

— Chris Bahn (@cbahn) September 14, 2012"

So what does this all mean?

Arkansas hasn't officially said that Wilson suffered a concussion, but judging from how this has been handled by the Arkansas medical staff, it seems that it is.

Assuming that is the case, it makes sense that this has been a day-to-day process. Typically, players that have suffered concussions are cleared only after they go a day without a headache and then don't get one during or following exercise.

Since it's Friday and this situation is still unresolved, it's clear that Wilson's symptoms have persisted late into the week, even if he is symptom-free now.

It's for that reason that Wilson shouldn't rush back, and Arkansas shouldn't push him to come back.

He's a competitor and Arkansas surely needs him to topple the Tide, but his health is more important.

After all, it is only a game—even in the SEC.

Wilson has a great career in front of him in football, and concussions are nothing to mess around with. If he goes out there while symptoms persist, he's putting himself at too much of a risk for long-term damage.

Follow @BarrettSallee