NFL Reports Record Low of 44 Preseason Concussions, Credits Guardian Caps' 'Unqualified Success'

Oct 4, 2024, 03:41 PM

The NFL reported that the number of concussions during the 2024 preseason reached a record low since data collection began in 2015. There were 44 concussions suffered in the preseason, including 10 during training camp practices. This represents a 24% decrease from 2023 and less than half the number recorded in 2017, when there were 91 concussions. The league attributed the decline to innovations in player safety, such as the use of Guardian Caps, which it described as 'an unqualified success.' Dr. Sills, the NFL's chief medical officer, noted that 5-10 players are wearing Guardian Caps during regular season games, and he expects that number to rise in the coming weeks. The NFL also reported that there were no concussions on kickoffs in regular-season games through Week 3, and that the injury rate on kickoffs during the preseason 'dropped dramatically.' Jeff Miller, an NFL executive, stated that concussions on kickoffs during preseason games were in the 'low single digits,' though the number was 'a couple more than anticipated.'