In last week’s game, Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt took a big hit to the head on the first play of the game. Watt came out briefly during the Thursday night game and went into the blue medical tent but was cleared and returned to the game. Overall, Watt only missed five defensive snaps.
But now the NFL and NFLPA are reviewing the circumstances surrounding the situation to be sure everything was done according to the rules. This is because when Watt reported to the team facilities on Friday he reported symptoms and was placed in the league’s concussion protocol.
The NFL and NFLPA have been jointly reviewing the situation surrounding #Steelers star TJ Watt and how and when he entered the NFL’s concussion protocol. Watt reported symptoms Friday morning and now is in the protocol. This is standard any time a player goes into the protocol. pic.twitter.com/pYyOKpfzRz
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 12, 2023
The way the process is supposed to go is a player who comes out of the game is taken to the blue medical tent where they are evaluated and questioned by a team athletic trainer and a Unaffiliated Neurotrauma Consultant. If they suspect a concussion or the player reports symptoms, they must be taken to the locker room for a more comprehensive examination.
Watt was never taken to the locker room for a more comprehensive exam so based on what they saw as well as the review of the play from the booth, it was termed to be benign and he was allowed to return to play.
