Anyone who watched the Miami Dolphins in the AFC Wild Card against the Pittsburgh Steelers was fair to question how the team handled the health of starting quarterback Matt Moore.
Today, a couple weeks after watching Moore get knocked around like a rag doll by the Steelers defense without being pulled from the game for good despite concerns about potential concussions, the NFL and NFLPA weighed in on the situation following a review. It did not come out well for the Dolphins.
The Dolphins were notified today by both the league and the NFLPA by a letter signed by a handful of medical experts and advised the team to conduct a full review of the Protocol regarding head trauma. While the Dolphins are not being punished for violating the league’s concussion protocols right now, they will be watched closely and further discipline may be issued should the Dolphins not correct and address these concerns.
NFL statement on how Dolphins handled Matt Moore injury vs. Steelers: pic.twitter.com/cIJxK5qTRO
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 25, 2017
The question is here simple: what is the point of having a concussion protocol designed to help the players if the teams do not follow through on it on the sideline?
This is why the Dolphins have come under fire with regard to Moore, who had a rough game against the Steelers. Players are going to want to play, regardless of their health. This is why the medical staff needs to be able to step in and address the concerns directly immediately, even if it means the player will not be available for a few plays, a couple of series or even longer. Those players may not like it in the heat of the moment, but they will be thankful for it later on in life.
