NFL boosts concussions staff

Associated Press

BEREA

The NFL will require teams to place certified athletic trainers in the press box to help monitor head injuries, a change prompted by the Browns’ failure to test quarterback Colt McCoy for a concussion.

League spokesman Greg Aiello confirmed that memos are being sent to all 32 clubs to explain the new protocol, which is expected to begin with this week’s games.

Aiello said the trainer will be able to monitor the entire game without distraction and inform medical personnel on the sideline of any potential head injuries.

McCoy remains sidelined with the concussion sustained Dec. 8 when he was laid out on an illegal helmet-to-face mask hit by Pittsburgh linebacker James Harrison.

Although he was flattened by Harrison’s vicious hit, the second-year QB was not tested for a concussion and the Browns sent him back in the game after two plays.

McCoy has not yet been cleared to practice by Browns doctors. Coach Pat Shurmur said Seneca Wallace will “likely” make his second straight start for Cleveland on Saturday in Baltimore.

Shurmur refused to officially name Wallace his starter, but said, “At this point, more than likely he’ll be the starter, for sure.” In the aftermath of McCoy’s injury, the league sent a medical team to Cleveland last week to meet with the Browns.

Commissioner Roger Goodell also took part in a four-hour conference call to discuss the team’s handling of McCoy’s injury, which revealed some gray areas in the league’s policy on handling concussions.

Players Association representatives were also involved in the discussions. The NFLPA may still file a grievance on McCoy’s behalf.

Team president Mike Holmgren explained that the Browns’ medical and training staff did not test McCoy for a concussion on the field or sideline because he did not display symptoms of a concussion and that trainers and doctors did not see Harrison’s devastating blow because they were attending to other injured players.