While Tua Tagovailoa, Malik Nabers, Jake Ferguson and other stars have missed time with concussions this season, the NFL says it has found a safety option that is working for others.
Guardian Caps, the soft-shelled liner that players are wearing in practices and on a small basis in games, are working to protect players, according to NFL Chief Medical Officer Dr. Allen Sills.
Sills told Mike Florio of NBC Sports that the Guardian Caps are a useful tool for player safety.
“Guardian Caps have been an unqualified success for the NFL,” Sills said today. “They’ve driven a significant reduction of concussions in practices, approximately 50 percent over the last two preseasons.”
After being studied in the preseason, the NFL opted to allow players to wear them during the regular season. They have been slow to catch on, however, with only five-10 players wearing them each week.
Sills said the NFL believes advancements in helmet safety are just as significant as the option to add Guardian Caps. He said he does not expect the league to ever address mandating Guardian Caps.
Patriots safety Jabrill Peppers, Colts safety Rodney Thomas II, Steelers guard James Daniels, Colts tight end Kylen Granson and Titans tight end Josh Whyle are among the players wearing them during games.
Whyle said it was a simple decision. “Just for my own safety,” he told Titans.com. “Can’t afford to get another (concussion), and I want to be out there playing on Sundays.”
Granson said he has always focused on trying to avoid head injuries.
“My mom, my parents, they’ve always taught me, from an early age, protect yourself, protect your head,” Granson told the Indianapolis Star. “That’s what’s really important. Your health.”
In an anonymous poll conducted by The Athletic, 65 of 109 players responded negatively to the idea of wearing Guardian Caps in games.
“Thumbs down,” one player said. “Because I think, to me, it adds unnecessary weight to be hauling around the whole game.”
Another said he dislikes the look. “I’m never gonna wear that, and it’s literally just because of the fashion part,” he said. “It does a good job of protecting your head, but I’m not wearing it.”
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