MIAMI.- The NFL He saw his fewest concussions in the preseason since he began keeping track in 2015.
44 concussions were recorded in training and games, a 24% decrease from last year.
“The reason for that change is due to the rule change, modifications in equipment, including the Guardian Cap, as well as other efforts we have made over the years to reduce the numbers,” said Jeff Miller, executive vice president who oversees the health and safety of the players.
The revamp of the kickoff rules led to the fewest injuries overall and there were still some concussions on this play.
“We had a couple more concussions on the dynamic kickoff than we thought we would see,” Miller said. “We have not seen any concussions in the first three weeks of the dynamic kickoff in the regular season.”
Nearly 99% of players wear high-performance helmets, including more than 250 players who wore helmets that the league says provide as much protection, and in some cases more, than a helmet combined with the Guardian Cap.
There was a nearly 50% reduction in concussions among players wearing the Guardian Cap in mandatory training sessions compared to the pre-mandate average.
In the eye of the hurricane
Injuries were once again the central issue when the quarterback of the Dolphins, Tua Tagovailoasuffered his fourth diagnosed concussion in five years during Week 2.
“I know he’s seeing the best experts,” NFL medical director Dr. Allen Sills said.
Lower extremity strains decreased by 27% in 2024 compared to the 2021 preseason, the year before the acclimatization period was introduced.
“While there is no finish line in our efforts to make the game safer, this preseason injury data is an example of how the league’s deliberate approach to player safety continues to pay off,” Sills said. . “We are committed to creating a culture of safety around the game and this preseason was another positive step in that direction.”
