NFL set to place concussion observers for player safety – NFL News
The National Football League has developed a comprehensive plan to tackle the problem of on-field concussions and helping team management on the field identify players who may have hidden injuries to continue playing.
A memo was sent from NFL headquarters to all teams in the league detailing plans to place an NFL liaison in the press box to monitor the game and alert team management on the side lines to verify the health of any player thought
to be suffering from injuries.
"A direct ring-down phone line must be in place from the NFL Observer position in the press box to both the home and visiting bench areas," the memo reads. "This line should be clearly marked on the NFL Observer's phone. The purpose
of the additional phone lines is to allow the NFL Observer to alert the Athletic Training staff to a possible injury that may have been missed at field-level."
The NFL observer will also be able to make decisions after receiving word from the NFL headquarters staff to have a player checked up. The move is in line with the NFL’s current policy to reduce hits to the head and protect players
from concussions.
Players however are not supportive of the move with New England Patriots Tight-end Rob Gronkowski joking that he will not reveal even if he suffered a concussion saying
"I remember the moment, and everything. ... If I didn't I still wouldn't even say I didn't, because I want to play this week."
The memo which was also made available to team doctors stated that the medical staff on receiving instructions from the observer will have to check up on the player and verify his status after the game as well to ensure complete
rehabilitation in case of any problems.
Players usually pass up concussion injuries to continue playing and also to protect their starting berth in team line ups. The case of San Diego Chargers Guard Kris Dielman is thought to be the main reason behind the latest policy.
Dielman got a head injury during the game and looked unaware of his surroundings for a while but continued to play the rest of the game.
He later suffered a grand mal seizure aboard the team’s return flight and has now been placed on injured reserve.
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