The NFL recorded fewer injuries in 2022 than in 2021, with the total down 5.6%, according to NFL Media. When it comes to concussions, however, that number was on the rise, with 23 more concussions in 2023 than in 2022. Specifically, concussions among quarterbacks have increased.
Head injuries have been a major topic in the league for many years as more and more studies continue to show just how dangerous they can be to a person. The NFL made a few changes in an effort to make the game safer, such as an emphasis on no helmet-to-helmet contact, but concussions are still very common in the game, which is only reinforced. by the increase in numbers this year. .
The report provided positive statistics regarding head injuries, indicating that there was no increase in the number of players with multiple concussions. The league has been working on identifying concussions earlier so players leave the game without further aggravating or aggravating the injury. NFL Chief Medical Officer Dr. Allen Sills said one of the main goals of concussion prevention is to “get your head out of the game”.
With head injuries being a major focus, concussion assessments and testing are being done at a higher rate than before. The league said they’re doing more in-game concussion assessments than in the past, and the number of medical timeouts has nearly doubled.
To address the rise in quarterback concussions, the NFL wants to explore a potential quarterback-specific helmet, which it believes manufacturers are on the verge of creating.
Injuries occur more on punts than anywhere else, with one in five concussions and 20 percent ACL injuries occurring during special teams games. Given how lopsided injuries are on that side of the ball, this offseason the league could discuss how to make punts and kickoffs safer.