Awards will be split in Helmet Challenge

For what appears to be a huge leap forward in innovation for helmet safety, the NFL has awarded a total of $1.55 million split among three companies in its Helmet Challenge.

The challenge, launched in 2019, aimed to dramatically accelerate the timeline for the development of a football helmet better than anything currently being worn by NFL players.

By tapping into the expertise, creativity and vision of a wide range of individuals and companies, the NFL expects these innovations to mark a transformational improvement about four times greater than typically seen year-over-year in helmet design.

“For the groups to address this challenge in ways that have real transferability to football is quite remarkable,” says Jeff Miller, the league’s executive vice president of communications, public affairs and policy. “That was the hope when we brought people together from different walks of life, lots of different experiences and expertise to address this issue.”

Receiving the awards are Kollide of Montreal ($550,000); Xenith of Detroit ($496,500); and Impressio of Denver ($454,000). Each has teamed with experts in a variety of fields in seeking improved designs and materials for helmets. DARNOLD STILL PANTHERS STARTER >> After Sam Darnold’s benching in the Carolina Panthers’ 25-3 loss to the Giants on Sunday, the fourth-year quarterback heard both good and bad news about his potential future as the starter.

Panthers coach Matt Rhule told reporters, “Sam will be our quarterback next week. He will be our quarterback moving forward.”

However, a report from The Athletic indicated that the Panthers are expected to engage in trade talks with the Texans for star quarterback Deshaun Watson.

Darnold went 16-of-25 passing for 111 yards and an interception Sunday. In seven starts this season, the third overall pick of the Jets out of USC in 2018, is 153 of 249 (61.4%) for 1,684 yards for seven touchdowns and eight interceptions.

JETS QB WILSON INJURES KNEE >> Jets rookie quarterback Zach Wilson left Sunday’s game against the Patriots with 12:31 remaining in the second quarter with a right knee injury.

Wilson was hit by Patriots linebacker Matt Judon, who fell on the back of Wilson’s legs after he released a pass that fell incomplete.

Wilson said the initial diagnosis is an injured posterior cruciate ligament. CHIEFS QB MAHOMES OK >> Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes was slow to get up after taking a knee to his head on a sack by the Titans’ Denico Autry. He went to the medical tent and didn’t return to the game.

Coach Andy Reid said Mahomes cleared concussion protocols and will play Nov. 1 against the Giants.