Michael Rothstein, ESPN Staff Writer 10y

No concussion for Rashean Mathis

NFL, Detroit Lions

ALLEN PARK, Mich. -- Detroit Lions cornerback Rashean Mathis did not suffer a concussion during Sunday's victory over the Chicago Bears but was held out of the final three quarters for precautionary reasons.

Mathis worked out at the team's practice facility Monday. Lions coach Jim Schwartz said Mathis did not have any concussion symptoms.

"He has passed his initial concussion test and was never diagnosed with a concussion on the sideline," Schwartz said. "But during the game, there was question of whether he was concussed, and our people decided to err on the side of caution there.

"Even though he was never diagnosed with a concussion, we just thought it was prudent for him not to go back in the game."

Barring a setback, Mathis should play Sunday against the Green Bay Packers.

After the Bears game, Mathis said the Chicago trainers and doctors were the first to diagnose him and said "they thought I went out." But Mathis claimed he passed two concussion tests Sunday.

Schwartz said Monday it is the decision of the Lions' team doctors, but they weigh all factors and do their own concussion tests.

"I think we're pretty well documented [as] being one of the most conservative teams in the league when it comes to concussions," Schwartz said. "Quite honestly, there might have been some teams that might have cleared Rashean to go back in the game. But we erred on the side of caution in that case."

Schwartz was less optimistic about the status of Detroit's other starting cornerback, Chris Houston, who injured his leg Sunday.

Schwartz indicated it didn't appear to be a long-term injury for Houston, calling it "day to day, week to week."

"We'll just see. He has a leg injury. I'll just keep it that way," Schwartz said. "And we'll just see where he can get to this week and we'll try to get him back as quick as we can."

Schwartz would not say who would replace Houston if he did not play.

If Houston is out, he'll likely be replaced by rookie Darius Slay, as long as Mathis is able to return Sunday. Slay played the majority of snaps after Mathis was injured against Chicago and had started the first two games of the season.

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