Colt McCoy

2011 NFL Concussion Update Week 14

Dustin FinkLeave a comment

The Concussion Blog Original, NFL Concussion Report, is a weekly compiling of the reported head injuries in the National Football League.  Concussions are added to the list each week from multiple sources to give you the reader a picture of what is happening on the field.  Each week we will bring you the information along with relevant statistics.  If we have missed a concussion or put one on here erroneously, let us know (we will also be using Fink’s Rule to classify a concussion/head injury).

Week 14 set the season high for concussions in 2011; 16.  This is very interesting considering that Week 14 started off last Thursday with the Cleveland Browns fumbling the Colt McCoy injury.  Last time there was a situation “mishandled” – Kris Dielman – the league reported the season low during a week; 3.  Either the McCoy situation put enough attention on the fact that people are watching or there was not enough time to formulate a plan on handling concussions internally (conspiracy theory).  Regardless we will be watching closely this week to see how many are reported.

In 2010 after week 14 there were 127 reported concussions, this season we can can say there is an increase of 8.7 percent to bring the number to 138.  The league is only 16 concussions away from eclipsing the 200 mark for the first time in history (as far as our research shows), that number would encompass the entire season from opening of camp through end of season.  Would 200 mean something significant?  Yes and No.  Continue reading →

Why So Afraid?

Dustin Fink4 Comments

After James Harrison of the Steelers basted Colt McCoy of the Browns with a borderline illegal hit everyone (well not everyone but many) were concerned with the immediate effects and a possible concussion.

The Browns were fast to let the world know that McCoy didn’t have a concussion.  This was required speak because they did not even properly evaluate McCoy for a concussion.  I did not see any overt signs at the time, but that means nothing.  What is even more interesting is that McCoy was reported to have some delayed symptoms;

They’re awfully quick to dismiss the possibility considering McCoy showed the after-effects of a player who had been concussed. McCoy told the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram that he didn’t remember the hit, and he was still glassy-eyed 20 minutes after the game. The Browns P.R. staff also asked reporters to turn off their lights during McCoy’s post-game availability session.

Straight from the horse’s mouth we have: memory loss, vision disturbance/fogginess, and sensitivity to light.  When I evaluate for a concussion on the sidelines and after games of high school players 3 reported symptoms are enough to warrant the assessment of concussion.  In fact after a report and clinical evaluation/questions that would end the assessment right there and they would be sent off to a quiet room/home.

So why are NFL teams so afraid to label concussions, concussions?  I have no freaking clue.