Jacksonville's Montaric Brown (30) hits Denver's Pat Bryant (13) during the fourth quarter of their game at Empower Field at Mile High.

Jacksonville’s Montaric Brown (30) was not penalized for his hit on Denver’s Pat Bryant (13) during the fourth quarter. Justin Edmonds / Getty Images

By Nick Kosmider and The Athletic Staff

Dec. 21, 2025Updated 11:52 pm EST

Denver Broncos rookie wide receiver Pat Bryant was released from the hospital on Sunday night, a league source said, following a violent collision with Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Montaric Brown near the end of Sunday’s game at Empower Field at Mile High

The source said Bryant was diagnosed with a concussion but that all other tests came back negative.

Bryant was hit hard by Brown after leaving his feet and attempting to catch a throw over the middle from quarterback Bo Nix with 31 seconds left in the 34-20 Jaguars win. Brown was initially flagged on the play, but the officials eventually picked it up and ruled the hit to be within the rules.

Bryant was moving after the hit but remained on the field for several minutes with teammates gathering around him. He was eventually lashed to a board and carted off the field with his facemask removed from his helmet.

After the game, Broncos head coach Sean Payton told reporters that Bryant was moving his hands and legs after the hit.

“He’s got movement. That’s encouraging,” Payton said. “He was moving his hands and his legs. As we know more, we’ll let you know.”

Added Nix: “You never want to see somebody in that situation. I feel responsible because I threw it. You can say it’s part of the game, but you never want to see it. … It’s just one of those things you wish you can avoid, but it’s just a tough situation.”

A third-round pick out of Illinois, Bryant has been one of many bright spots in a largely successful season for the AFC West-leading Broncos. He entered Sunday with 22 receptions for 305 yards and one touchdown. He had five receptions for 42 yards in Sunday’s loss.