The NFL and its players association said the required steps were followed when Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen was evaluated for a concussion last week at Houston and cleared to return to the game.

The league and the NFL Players Association said in a joint statement they reviewed reports from the unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant and booth spotters and “those reports confirm that the steps required by the league’s concussion protocol were followed.” The statement added that the protocol was “jointly” put in place by the league and the association.

Allen left the game with roughly six minutes to play after his helmet slammed to the turf following an incomplete pass. He went into the medical tent for observation and returned in time for Buffalo’s next series. Allen’s final five passes fell incomplete.

Giants’ Nabers to miss second game >> Wide receiver Malik Nabers, the NFL’s leader with 35 catches, remains in the concussion protocol and will miss his second consecutive game, Giants coach Brian Daboll said. The Giants play Sunday night against Cincinnati.

Raiders TE Mayer to sit out at least next 4 games >> Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer, who has missed the past two games because of personal reasons, was placed on the non-football illness list. That means Mayer must sit out at least the next four games, beginning Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Also, wide receiver Davante Adams — subject of numerous trade rumors — will miss his third game in a row because of a hamstring injury.