Vikings WR Jarius Wright passes concussion protocol, but won't play vs. 49ers

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jarius Wright has passed NFL concussion protocol. He will still be held out of the team's preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers on Friday, however, according to the Star Tribune's Dan Wiederer.

Wright suffered the concussion last Friday during the Vikings' 20-16 preseason loss to the Buffalo Bills. He was on the field for 23 of the first 25 offensive plays, catching two passes for 16 yards before heading to the locker room.

The second-year receiver returned to practice on a limited basis on Thursday, but won't be travelling with the team to San Francisco.

The league has implemented new concussion guidelines for the 2013 season: Independent neurotrauma specialists are now assigned to each game and are responsible for the treatment of possible head injuries. Once a player is diagnosed with a concussion, they are to be treated and then must pass a series of tests before returning to play.

With Wright staying home, rookie wideout Corderelle Patterson will likely see increased playing time. Patterson was selected with the 29th pick of April's draft.

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