What, if any, changes should be made in regards to the handling of concussions in the NFL? This season, there seems to be an increased number of severe head injuries despite advancing technology in helmets and protection. Clinton Portis, DeSean Jackson, Ben Reothlisberger, Brian Westbrook, Kurt Warner, Troy Polamalu and many other stars are missing time due to concussions.
The NFL has tightened down on rules regarding them. No longer does a team doctor's approval adequate to return, now a team doctor AND an outside physician must BOTH approve a return to action.
Ben Roethlisberger and Clinton Portis are both recent examples of players being approved by team doctors but not returning because of failing to get both clearances...or personal opinions that they need to sit out further.
Despite a ridiculous number of rule changes to protect QBs (Tom Brady rules), it's seems to be happening more frequently to higher profile players.
It's a matter that is literally concerning life and death, at least quality of life beyond football.
Discuss. Anything that can be done? Changed?
An example of a career-ending concussion: