Concussion protocol to change Goodell says

The NFL is prepared “to make a change or two” to its concussion protocol, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said at a fan forum in London on Saturday as the league faces questions about how the Dolphins handled quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s injuries.

Responding to a fan’s question about concussions and “recent incidents,” Goodell outlined the league’s “intensive focus” on the issue over the past 15 years and said its medical protocols have served as templates for other sports.

“Our job really is to continue to modify those as medical experts or other experiences tell you this is something you can do differently,” he said.

The commissioner took questions only from fans in London ahead of Sunday’s game between the Packers and the Giants at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The league did not elaborate on what the potential protocol changes are or when they could come into effect. Earlier this week, the NFL Players Association

fired the unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant who evaluated Tagovailoa after he stumbled off the field against the Bills on Sept. 25 following a hit. The quarterback was evaluated for a concussion, but he quickly returned to the game and the Dolphins said a back injury had caused his wobbly gait.

The quarterback subsequently suffered a concussion four days later at Cincinnati and is out indefinitely.