CNN
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Miami Dolphins quarterback Teddy Bridgewater took an enormous hit Sunday and was unable to return to the sport due to the new concussion protocol that went into impact the identical day, making Bridgewater one of many first gamers to be sidelined below the brand new guidelines.
Bridgewater suffered a blow to the top during his first snap of the game when he was tackled to the bottom after throwing the ball. The Dolphins tweeted that he was evaluated for accidents to each his head and elbow and later introduced he was dominated out of the sport.
“Mainly what occurred was a spotter noticed him [Bridgewater] stumble, and below the brand new guidelines and modifications he’s dominated out and positioned within the protocol,” mentioned Mike McDaniel, Dolphins head coach. “He doesn’t have any signs and he’s handed his analysis however he’ll be now, below the brand new laws, within the concussion protocol.”
Bridgewater was beginning instead of Tua Tagovailoa, who was additionally positioned on concussion protocol.
CNN has reached out to the Miami Dolphins for extra info. The Nationwide Soccer League makes use of ATC spotters, who’re unbiased licensed athletic trainers, to observe all video games. The spotters “function one other set of eyes, awaiting attainable accidents at each NFL recreation,” in keeping with NFL Football Operations.
Stumbling is a thought of an indication of ataxia because it demonstrates impaired motor perform. The league defines ataxia as “abnormality of steadiness/stability, motor coordination or dysfunctional speech brought on by a neurological subject.”
The protocol modification introduced by the NFL and NFL Participant’s Affiliation Saturday mentioned a participant displaying indicators of ataxia whereas being evaluated for a concussion can be prohibited from returning to the sport.
The protocols had been up to date Saturday in an settlement between the league and the NFLPA, coming in response to the harm of Tagovailoa. The 24-year-old was injured in the course of the September 25 recreation in opposition to the Buffalo Payments, however was capable of return to play despite appearing awkward on his feet and stumbling over himself.
4 days later, on September 29, Tagovailoa was slammed to the bottom by Cincinnati Bengals defensive lineman Josh Tupou. The quarterback’s arms and fingers instantly contorted right into a ugly place referred to as the “fencing response,” an indication of mind harm, and he lay immobile on the sphere for a number of minutes.
He was in the end positioned on a backboard and stretcher and brought to a hospital, the place he was identified with a concussion.
The NFLPA launched a assessment into the dealing with of Tagovailoa’s harm and terminated the unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant who was concerned in Tagovailoa’s concussion analysis.
Within the aftermath of the Tagovailoa saga, extra gamers have been dominated out of video games.
Nyheim Hines, Indianapolis Colts operating again, was dominated out for the remainder of Thursday’s recreation in opposition to the Denver Broncos with a concussion. Pat Freiermuth, Pittsburgh Steelers tight finish, was dominated out of Sunday’s recreation in opposition to the Buffalo Payments. Chris Olave, New Orleans Saints vast receiver, was additionally dominated out of Sunday’s recreation in opposition to the Seattle Seahawks.
