The NFL has reported that the preseason this year has recorded the fewest number of concussions since tracking began in 2015. There were a total of 44 concussions in practices and games, marking a significant decrease of approximately 24% from the previous year.
Jeff Miller, the NFL executive vice president overseeing player health and safety, attributed this decline to various factors such as changes in rules, equipment improvements including the Guardian Cap, and ongoing efforts to enhance player safety. The league’s revamped kickoff rule led to a reduction in overall injuries, although there were still some concussions reported during these plays.
Despite a few concussion cases on dynamic kickoffs, the first three weeks of the regular season did not see any concussions from this play. Nearly 99% of players wore top-performing helmets, with over 250 players using helmets that offer equal or greater protection than those paired with a Guardian Cap.
Statistics revealed a nearly 50% decrease in preseason concussions among players who wore the Guardian Cap during mandated sessions compared to the average before the mandate. Lower-extremity strains were also down by 27% in 2024 compared to the preseason in 2021, following the implementation of an acclimation period.
However, the issue of injuries came to the forefront when Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered his fourth diagnosed concussion in five years during Week 2. NFL’s chief medical officer, Dr. Allen Sills, assured that Tagovailoa was receiving care from top experts amidst concerns over his recurring concussions.
Dr. Sills emphasised that while there is always room for improvement in making the game safer, the injury data from this preseason highlights the effectiveness of the league’s continuous efforts to prioritise player safety. He reiterated the commitment to fostering a culture of safety around the game, viewing this preseason as a positive step in that direction.
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