News
10/3/22
22 min read
NFL Week 4 News and Notes
Saturday, Oct. 1
NFL, NFLPA Expect Changes to Concussion Protocols in 'Coming Days'
Official changes to the NFL's concussion protocols could be coming very soon as the the NFL and NFLPA released a joint statement Saturday night saying they agree that "modifications to the Concussion Protocol are needed to enhance player safety."
The changes have already been agreed to by both sides and are centered around ruling out players who exhibit "gross-motor instability" during games, according to NFL Media. The changes must be formally approved by the NFLPA's health and safety committee and could take effect as early as Week 5.
"The NFL and the NFLPA agree that The NFLPA's Mackey-White Health & Safety Committee and the NFL's Head Neck and Spine Committee have already begun conversations around the use of the term 'Gross Motor Instability' and we anticipate changes to the protocol being made in the coming days based on what has been learned thus far in the review process," the joint statement read. "The NFL and NFLPA share a strong appreciation for the unaffiliated neurotrauma consultants who contribute their time and expertise to our game solely to advance player safety. This program has made our game safer for the athletes who play it for the past twelve seasons."
The statement's release comes as the investigation into how concussion protocol was handled for Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa during last week's game against the Buffalo Bills is still ongoing. Earlier Saturday, the player's union reportedly exercised its right to fire the unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant (UNC).
Tagovailoa was seen stumbling and struggling to walk after taking a hit from Bills linebacker Matt Milano, but he returned to the game and the Dolphins said he was dealing with an ankle and back injury. The QB took another big hit against the Bengals on Thursday night and suffered a concussion that required him to be stretchered off the field.
Tagovailoa remains in the NFL's concussion protocol.
Reports: NFLPA Fires Doctor Involved in Bills-Dolphins
The NFLPA has exercised its right and terminated the unaffiliated neurotrauma (UNC) consultant who worked last Sunday's Bills-Dolphins game in Miami, according to multiple news reports.
According to ESPN, the NFLPA found the consultant "made several mistakes" in his evaluation, which allowed Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to return to the field against the Bills. NFL Media reported the UNC was fired for "failure to understand his role as UNC and hostility during the investigation process."
Tagovailoa remains in the concussion protocol after suffering a concussion Thursday night in Cincinnati.
Saints QB Winston (Back) Downgraded to Out
The Saints officially downgraded quarterback Jameis Winston to out for Sunday's game Saturday afternoon. Andy Dalton will start vs. the Vikings.
Lions WR Chark (Ankle) Out vs. Seahawks
The Lions declared wide receiver D.J. Chark out with an ankle injury for their game against the Seahawks. The Lions already declared receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown out on Friday, now the team will be without its top two receivers, as well as running back D'Andre Swift.
Friday, Sept. 30
Tagovailoa's Scans Come Back Negative, 'No Timetable' For Return to Field
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's scans came back negative following his scary injury during Thursday's game, CBS Sports reported on Friday. He's scheduled to get an MRI when he returns to Miami.
Tagovailoa left Thursday's game against the Bengals after being swung to the field hard on a sack. The Dolphins later reported Tagovailoa had movement in all of his extremities but had suffered head and neck injuries.
Tagovailoa issued a statement upon his return Friday, thanking everyone for their prayers and saying that he was feeling better, and looking forward to a return to the field. Head coach Mike McDaniel also said that he and Tagovailoa were next to each other on the plane ride home, and that they discussed the game and Tua was in good spirits. He also stated there is currently no timetable for Tagovailoa's return to the field.
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh addressed Tagovailoa's injury situation on Friday afternoon, telling the media: "I’ve been coaching for 40 years now, college in the NFL, almost 40, and I’ve never seen anything like it before. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing.”
WATCH MORE: Matt Cassel Provides a Former Player's Perspective on How the NFL Handles Injuries
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