Quote:You're reaching. Pierce didn't seem to have any symptoms until that block. Are they supposed to check for a concussion after every series?

 

Quote:One thing that needs to be noted here is that a Concussion is one of those injuries that can occur where the "patient" is the only one who is aware of it. Not trying to pile on top of Pierce here, but if he is feeling light-headed, dizzy, nauseous, etc., it's up to him to report to the Training Staff. Remember Russell Allen from a few years ago? He had the potential of dying on the field and no one knew about it but him. He didn't even mention it until after the game.

 

If the player doesn't come forward about it, how is anyone else supposed to know?

 

Thats why the Independent neurologist was assigned to be on the sidelines. Their job is to watch and monitor certain actions of players who may show signs of a concussion. 

 

They relay that information to game officials if their needs to be a stoppage of game play to take the player in question out. 

 

Communication is relayed to trainers and coaches on signs a player may be suffering from or have a concussion and to be instructed to removed helmet, and other equipment to prevent player from reentering the game. 

 

The NFL has realized a large percentage of players are not able to determine themselves whether or not they may have suffered a concussion, hence the new protocol. 

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