Moe Harkless Remains Out With Concussion Symptoms

Moe Harkless, who missed the Trail Blazers’ preseason game against the Golden State Warriors on Thursday with concussion symptoms, remained unable to practice with the team on Friday morning. Harkless sustained the concussion at practice earlier this week under unknown circumstances. His status for Saturday’s game against the Sacramento Kings is up in the air, though head coach Terry Stotts expects him to travel with the team.

Joe Freeman of The Oregonian details the hurdles that Harkless must clear before returning to action:

He will not be allowed to return to basketball activities until he clears the NBA-mandated concussion protocol, which involves a series of medical and physical tests.

In addition to being "symptom-free," the protocol requires that Harkless pass "several steps of increasing exertion," including riding a stationary bike, jogging and performing agility work.

At each phase of testing, he must remain symptom-free to progress to the next phase. To gain final clearance on a return, Blazers team doctors must consult with Dr. Jeffrey Kutcher, Director of the NBA's Concussion Program.

Stotts said Harkless would "most likely" travel with the team Friday, when it leaves for a two-game trip to Sacramento and Utah. His status for Saturday's game against the Kings is dependent on how quickly he clears the concussion protocol.