The ongoing tug-of-war between NFL concussion protocol spotters and New York Giants second-year quarterback Jaxson Dart reached a breaking point following New York’s preseason opener against the Minnesota Vikings.
Dart was sent to the blue medical tent following a first-quarter sack, only to be cleared and return shortly afterward. The latest incident prompted analyst Jon Weiner to question whether the league’s approach is really about Dart’s health or protecting the NFL from future legal trouble.
Analyst Questions NFL’s Jaxson Dart Concussion Protocol
During the Giants’ Aug. 15 preseason matchup with Minnesota, Vikings safety Jay Ward sacked Dart near the end of the first quarter. Independent neurotrauma spotters immediately instructed the quarterback to leave the field for evaluation.
Dart was quickly cleared and returned to the game, finishing 3-of-4 passing for 26 yards and a touchdown.
The repeated evaluations (five concussion checks last season alone) have made the issue a growing talking point. Weiner believes the NFL is taking an increasingly cautious approach because of its history with concussion-related lawsuits.
“The NFL is not concerned about Jackson Dart. They’re protecting themselves,” Weiner said. “They lost a lawsuit. They lost the concussion lawsuit. It was hundreds of millions of dollars paying all kinds of former players. And of course, they’re going to be cautious when it comes to concussions and head injuries in the NFL. Literally, they’re losing money if it happens. I mean, guys are suing them.”
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The NFL’s approach has become even more cautious following the $1 billion-plus concussion settlement involving retired players and continued scrutiny over how the league handles head injuries.
As a result, the league has adopted strict protocol triggers that can lead to an immediate evaluation when certain signs are detected.
Weiner’s argument is that the NFL has little incentive to take risks with potential head injuries. A brief interruption to a game is far less costly than allowing a player with a possible concussion to remain on the field and potentially face serious consequences later.
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For Dart, the frequent evaluations have become frustrating. He has acknowledged that he understands the league’s intentions but remains puzzled by how often he ends up in the medical tent.
“I really respect the rules and the thought behind what the NFL has of keeping players healthy and reviewing things… At the same time, I’m still puzzled by it, just feeling like every time that I get hit, I find my way in there,” Dart said.
As long as Dart continues to play an aggressive style, these evaluations could remain part of his NFL experience. While the interruptions may frustrate Dart and the Giants, the league has little reason to take chances with potential head injuries.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.