Rolando McClain Injury: Updates on Cowboys LB's Possible Concussion and Return

Adam WellsJan 4, 2015

Rolando McClain left Dallas' Wild Card win over Detroit with what was originally called an illness before the team revealed he was suffering from concussion-like symptoms. McClain has since been diagnosed with a sore neck but has been cleared to play. He's active for the Cowboys' divisional game against the Packers but would later leave with concussion-like symptoms.

Continue for updates.

McClain Active vs. Packers, Leaves With Concussion-Like Symptoms

Sunday, Jan. 11

David Helman of DallasCowboys.com announced McClain was not on the team's inactive list for today's game:

On Friday, Nick Eatman of Cowboys.com confirmed McClain was cleared to play:

In the first quarter, McClain would leave the game with a possible head injury, via the Cowboys:

McClain was later ruled out for the remainder of the game, via Jon Machota of the Dallas Morning News.

Mike Fisher of Fox Sports also announced on Friday that McClain was officially listed as questionable:

Jason Garrett Comments on McClain's Status

Thursday, Jan. 8

Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett talked about McClain's status, according to Mike Garafolo of Fox Sports:

McClain Unlikely to Practice Until Friday

Wednesday, Jan 7

According to Desmond Purnell of NFL.com, McClain is likely to be rested until Friday:

Cowboys Don't Believe Neck Will Limit McClain

Monday, Jan. 5

Brandon George of The Dallas Morning News shared the latest update on Rolando McClain's status:

McClain Suffering From Concussion-Like Symptoms

Sunday, Jan. 4

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Rolando McClain is dealing with a possible concussion, and his absence could leave a void in the middle of the team's defense.

Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com had the news:

"
During Sunday’s eventual win over the Lions, Cowboys linebacker Rolando McClain exited the game. Though it appeared he was being screened for a concussion, the Cowboys eventually said McClain has an illness/dehydration.
After the game, another diagnosis emerged; the Cowboys acknowledged that McClain has “concussion-like symptoms.”
Ah, yes. “Concussion-like symptoms.” Not a concussion.
"

The linebacker missed Week 17 with a fever.

McClain has been one of the great surprises in 2014. The Oakland Raiders took McClain eighth overall in the 2010 NFL draft, but he battled problems on and off the field. He signed with Baltimore in 2013 before retiring one month later.

The Cowboys acquired McClain's rights from Baltimore in July 2014. He turned into one of the great bargains, leading the team in tackles for loss, and told B/R's Lars Anderson that he felt "excited about football. I'm excited about life. Really, I'm lucky. Just so, so lucky."

There's no doubt the Cowboys feel lucky to have McClain, who helped transform one of the NFL's worst defenses in 2013 into one that was capable of supporting a talented offensive team. He's the glue that makes Rod Marinelli's defense work.