Jaxson Dart has found himself in the blue medical tent on five separate occasions during his rookie season, and despite understanding the reasoning behind the process, he still questions the NFL's medical tent protocol.
Dart, the New York Giants quarterback, has been a frequent visitor to the medical tent due to his propensity for taking big hits. In his rookie season, he was checked for a concussion in the tent on five different occasions, with one diagnosis resulting in him missing two games. The most recent instance occurred during Saturday's preseason game against the Vikings, where he was sent to the blue tent after a hard hit on a sack.
The blue medical tent is a designated area where players can be assessed by trainers with some privacy before determining whether they should return to the game. The process is in place to prioritize player safety, with the medical spotter from above calling for concussion checks. However, Dart expressed his puzzlement over the process, stating, "I'm still puzzled by it. Just feeling like every time that I get hit, I just find my way in there." He added that he respects the rules and process the NFL has in place, but still tries to wrap his head around why he ends up in the tent so frequently.
Dart's comments come as no surprise, given his history with concussions. His rookie season was marked by a series of big hits, which ultimately led to his diagnosis with one concussion. The experience left him with a deeper understanding of the importance of player safety and the role of the medical tent in protecting players.
Despite his reservations, Dart was quickly cleared to return to the game after being checked by trainers between quarters. He returned to the field and threw a touchdown pass to Malachi Fields on his first play back, showcasing his resilience and determination to play through adversity.
The NFL's medical tent protocol is designed to prioritize player safety, and while Dart's comments may raise questions about the process, they also highlight the complexity of the issue. The league's approach is multifaceted, with the medical spotter from above calling for concussion checks and trainers assessing players in the tent. However, the frequency with which Dart finds himself in the tent suggests that there may be room for improvement in the process.
As the NFL continues to grapple with the issue of player safety, Dart's comments serve as a reminder of the importance of getting it right. The league's medical tent protocol is in place to protect players, but it is also essential to ensure that the process is fair and transparent. The next step will be to see how the NFL responds to Dart's comments and whether any changes are made to the medical tent protocol.
Source: Yahoo Sports