NFL Reviewing Concussion Protocol After Giants' Sterling Shepard Stayed in Game Despite Hit to Head
By Karl Rasmussen
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard took a hit to the head while making a block in Week 1 against the Cowboys, going down on the play, but ultimately remaining in the game with very little fanfare.
Until now.
Head coach Pat Shurmur said he "didn't know" whether Shepard had been concussed on the play, though the 26-year-old has now been ruled out of the team's Week 2 clash after officially being diagnosed with a concussion.
After the team and league's combined failure to properly diagnose a concussion for the receiver, action is being taken. The NFL and NFLPA are going to review the concussion protocol to ensure instances like this bit of negligence don't occur again.
The NFL and NFLPA have initiated a review of concussion protocols after Giants’ WR Sterling Shepard suffered a concussion last Sunday yet was allowed to stay in and finish the game at Dallas, per league sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 14, 2019
More on https://t.co/rDZaVFhcDQ and ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown.
Clearly, not enough caution was exercised with the Giants' receiver, as he certainly should have been examined by the medical staff, at the bare minimum. Instead, he remained in the game, susceptible to further (and potentially more serious) damage to his head.
Giants' WR Sterling Shepard ruled out of Sunday's game vs. Buffalo due to concussion.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 13, 2019
Shepard will be sidelined against the Bills while he recovers from the concussion, and meanwhile, the NFL will be giving a long look at the current flaws within their own prevention of head injuries.