NFL launches review of Jaxson Dart concussion protocol

The NFL has launched a review into the concussion protocol applied to New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart on Thursday night.

Dart led the Giants to an impressive 34-17 win over the Philadelphia Eagles but there was a moment of real concern in the third quarter when the 22-year-old suffered a heavy sack. Footage appeared to show Dart grabbing at his head while on the ground and he was taken to the blue medical tent to be evaluated for a concussion.

This process is supposed to be completed in line with a strict NFL protocol but Giants coach Brian Daboll approached the tent and attempted to see what was happening. Teammate Cam Skattebo did the same and Daboll was later seen having an animated conversation with Dr. Scott Rodeo, the team physician. Daboll later said that he just wanted to see “if he was OK” after the hit.

On Friday the NFL and the NFL Players Association announced that they were launching a review into the use of the protocol, meaning that Daboll and the Giants organization could face disciplining if found to have deviated from the strict process.

Speaking to reporters on Friday Daboll insisted that he had not attempted to influence the assessment of Dart in any way.

“Yeah, I haven’t, but I’ll say this, like I said last night, I went in, didn’t actually go in, just stuck my head in to see how our quarterback was doing. Just asked him how you’re doing,” Daboll said. “In no way would I want a player to come back out there that wasn’t ready to play. I think I have great respect for that process."

“I know John [Mara, Giants owner] is on the competition committee relative to health and safety. That’s very important to him. We’ve spoke about that. I was wondering if it took 10 minutes, if it takes an hour, if it takes two minutes. That’s really where I was with asking the question that I asked when I was on the sideline to make a decision on the game,” Daboll said. “But health and safety is important to us. It’s important to me, and that’s what I’ll say with that.”

League rules dictate that only a select group of medics and physicians are allowed to be in the tent while the assessment is ongoing. If Daboll is found to have entered the tent, he may well be in line for punishment.

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