NFLPA Urges NFL To Update Concussion Protocols Ahead Of This Sunday’s Slate Of Games

NFL: Super Bowl LII-NFLPA Press Conference
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

With week five of NFL football underway in light of Thursday’s game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Denver Broncos, there is reportedly a sense of urgency within the NFL Players Association regarding the National Football League’s concussion protocols. The NFLPA is calling on the NFL to officially adopted the modified policies to concussion protocol ahead this Sunday’s slate of games, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

“Our Union has agreed to change the concussion protocols to protect players from returning to play in case of any similar incident to what we saw on September 25. We would like these changes to go into effect before this weekend’s games to immediate protect the players and hope the NFL accepts the change before then as well.”

On Thursday, Colts running back Nyheim Hines got the start in place of star running back Jonathan Taylor, who was ruled out with an ankle injury. Hines displayed gross motor instability after taking a hit from a Broncos defender. The running back was quickly ruled out with a concussion after walking back to the locker room under his own power. Backup running back Philip Lindsey was the featured back moving forward, getting the chance to pick up a win against his former team. The Colts finished the night with a 12-9 victory over the Broncos in overtime.

The NFL and NFLPA have both agreed to update the protocols for concussions. The updates were still subject to formal approval by the NFLPA’s Health & Safety Committee. In the updated protocols, it states that players that display instability in mobility will be officially ruled out regardless of any other potential factors. The league and the NFLPA released a statement, emphasizing the importance of player safety being the reason updates to the concussion protocols are being made.

“The NFL and the NFLPA agree that modifications to the Concussion Protocol are needed to enhance player safety. 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.”

Read more about the NFL, NFLPA decision to update concussion protocols HERE.

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