The NFL is ready “to make a change or two” to its concussion protocol, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stated at a fan discussion board in London on Saturday because the league faces questions on how the Miami Dolphins dealt with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s current accidents.
Responding to a fan’s query about concussions and “current incidents,” Goodell outlined the league’s “intensive focus” on the problem over the previous 15 years and stated its medical protocols have served as templates for different sports activities.
“Our job actually is to proceed to modify these as medical specialists or different experiences inform you that is one thing you are able to do in another way,”‘ he stated.
Earlier this week, the NFL Players Association fired the unaffiliated neurotrauma marketing consultant who evaluated Tagovailoa after he stumbled off the sector in opposition to Buffalo on Sept. 25 following a success. The quarterback was evaluated for a concussion, however he rapidly returned to the sport and the Dolphins stated a again harm had induced his wobbly gait.
The quarterback subsequently suffered a concussion 4 days later at Cincinnati and is out indefinitely.
Goodell, with out citing Tagovailoa by identify, stated there’s “extra chatter now” about concussions.
On Friday, the NFL Players Association urged the league to implement modifications in time to shield gamers on this weekend’s video games. In its personal assertion, the NFL stated it was engaged on updates to the protocol however didn’t commit to implementing them earlier than Sunday’s video games.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight finish Cameron Brate’ was additionally injured final Sunday when he collided with a teammate close to the tip of the primary half in opposition to the Kansas City Chiefs and was initially allowed to re-enter the sport. He then sat out the second half with a concussion.
NFL gamers “are getting probably the most extraordinary care and higher than they ever have within the historical past of the NFL, however they deserve that, and that is our obligation, and that is what we’d like to do,” Goodell stated.