Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Curt Popejoy

NFL and NFLPA reviewing protocols from Steelers LB T.J. Watt’s injury

In last week’s game, Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt took a big hit to the head on the first play of the game. Watt came out briefly during the Thursday night game and went into the blue medical tent but was cleared and returned to the game. Overall, Watt only missed five defensive snaps.

But now the NFL and NFLPA are reviewing the circumstances surrounding the situation to be sure everything was done according to the rules. This is because when Watt reported to the team facilities on Friday he reported symptoms and was placed in the league’s concussion protocol.

The way the process is supposed to go is a player who comes out of the game is taken to the blue medical tent where they are evaluated and questioned by a team athletic trainer and a Unaffiliated Neurotrauma Consultant. If they suspect a concussion or the player reports symptoms, they must be taken to the locker room for a more comprehensive examination.

Watt was never taken to the locker room for a more comprehensive exam so based on what they saw as well as the review of the play from the booth, it was termed to be benign and he was allowed to return to play.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.