Two key NFL players were tested for concussions during their preseason games Saturday night.

First, Ravens running back Bernard Pierce took a hit to the head from Redskins safety Brandon Meriweather in the first quarter of Baltimore's 23-17 win. Pierce was forced to leave the game and was tested for a possible concussion. The hit was legal, though Meriweather was flagged later for a hit to the head on Ravens receiver Torrey Smith.

In Denver's preseason game against Houston, receiver Wes Welker took a shot to the helmet from Texans safety D.J. Swearinger. It looked like Swearinger's shoulder connected with Welker's head before hitting the ground. Welker had to leave the game the game with a possible concussion as well.

Both players will likely enter the NFL's concussion protocol. After the Ravens-Redskins game, coach John Harbaugh did not have an update on Pierce for reporters.

Welker's head injury is a bit more worrisome than Pierce's. Welker has had a long history of concussions as he's taken plenty of hits to the head over the years. Welker had a concussion last year that forced him to miss three games.

Follow me on Twitter: @JasonHButt