ESPN Watkins: NFL and Cowboys get serious about head injuries

[WoodysGirl]

By Calvin Watkins

IRVING -- The Cowboys are in the process of getting in compliance with a new NFL rule that wants its teams to have independent doctors evaluate head injuries for its players.

Cowboys officials said they've used independent doctors to evaluate player concussions in the past so this wouldn't be a problem for them.

Cornerback Mike Jenkins suffered a head injury toward the end of the Cowboys' victory over the Commanders on Sunday. Jenkins said he's fine and expects to practice today. He said his biggest problem isn't the concussion but his bruised biceps.

The NFL Players Association medical director, Dr. Thom Mayer, told The Associated Press "the quality of people brought forward has been first rate."

On Sunday, the league said all teams have to find outside experts in neurology to aid medical staffs in determining the severity of a head injury.

 

[speedkilz88]

Did Philadelphia do that with Westbrook?

 

[joseephuss]

Did Philadelphia do that with Westbrook?

They reported that Westbrook sought the opinion of an expert in the field that had previously consulted with Steve Young and Troy Aikman on their concussion issues. That was last week before the new rule went into effect.

 

[LucaBrasi]

Westbrook consulted with a specialist in Pittsburgh last week

 

[Doomsday101]

Westbrook consulted with a specialist in Pittsburgh last week

But forgot his name. :laugh2:

 

[Cowboysfan570]

But forgot his name. :laugh2:

Not cool, I don't care who he plays for. If nothing else, having lost Aikman to a similar thing you should have more understanding about the situation.

 

[lurkercowboy]

Aikman got so he would get concussions on seemingly routine plays. At least there was never a roughing the passer call so they must have been ordinary NFL plays.

 

[Doomsday101]

Not cool, I don't care who he plays for. If nothing else, having lost Aikman to a similar thing you should have more understanding about the situation.

Sorry you are thinned skin it was only a joke. God knows I have had my share of concussion when I played except then they handed you ammonia capsule and told you to shake it off. It was referred to as getting your bell rung now days they treat it more seriously and I'm glad they do. However it is still just a joke.

Romo was asked about a hit to the head a few weeks ago during a post game and how he was doing he paused and said oh I forgot then laughed. So while it is a serious thing it does not mean you have to be uptight about it.

 

[Kaika]

I'm sorry to say, But I think that Big Ben has been given a bye )on his head injury) due to the fact that Batch is out due to a broken wrist.


I'm just sayin

 

[speedkilz88]

Steelers are claiming that Roethlisberger is going to play. If they were really serious about concussions they wouldn't let that happen. They also let Westbrook come back way to soon after being knocked out cold and he got his bell rung again.

 

[DallasEast]

If the league doesn't have anonymity or confidentiality issues, I wonder if they will eventually publish a list of all teams' medical staffs and/or consultants? It would be interesting (to me at least) to find out how highly regarded these physicians are in their respective fields.

The National Football League is a multi-billion dollar industry. They can afford the best. I wonder which doctors they would attract?

 

[WV Cowboy]

Steelers are claiming that Roethlisberger is going to play. If they were really serious about concussions they wouldn't let that happen. They also let Westbrook come back way to soon after being knocked out cold and he got his bell rung again.

No matter what the Steelers do, they are the darlings of the NFL.

With Rothleisberger just having a consussion, and him being sacked more than any other QB in the NFL, .. going against one of the nastiest defense in the league, there is no way in the world he should play against the Ravens this week.

But it is the Steelers, so it's ok.

Seriously, if BR gets hit in the head this week it will be dangerous.

The NFL should intervene.

 

[WV Cowboy]

If the league doesn't have anonymity or confidentiality issues, I wonder if they will eventually publish a list of all teams' medical staffs and/or consultants? It would be interesting (to me at least) to find out how highly regarded these physicians are in their respective fields.

The National Football League is a multi-billion dollar industry. They can afford the best. I wonder which doctors they would attract?

Did you say witch doctors ?? :laugh2:

 

[Kaika]

What are the chances of the Ravens taking it easy on a wounded Ben.

 

[DallasEast]

Did you say witch doctors ?? :laugh2:

You could say that after some of the misdiagnosis we've seen. :laugh2: