Atlanta Falcons’ Jerious Norwood Says Concussions ‘A Serious Deal’

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. (AP) - Atlanta Falcons coach Mike Smith says running back Jerious Norwood “is a full go” as he returns from his second concussion of the year.

Norwood, Atlanta’s backup running back and kickoff return specialist, has suffered three concussions in his four years in the NFL. He also suffered a more serious concussion during his college career at Mississippi State, the only injury that knocked him out and forced him to be taken to a hospital.

Norwood says he doesn’t worry about another injury, but he says “It’s a serious deal.“

Norwood suffered his first concussion of 2009 in an Aug. 30 preseason game against San Diego. He left the Falcons’ Sept. 20 win over Carolina with another concussion. The Falcons play at San Francisco this week.