Colt McCoy case leads to new concussion protocol
The NFL will require teams to place certified athletic trainers in the press box to help monitor head injuries, a result of the Browns’ failure to test quarterback Colt McCoy for a concussion.
NFL spokesman Greg Aiello confirmed that the league will send a memo to all 32 clubs to explain the new protocol. The trainer will be able to monitor the entire game without distraction to inform medical staff on the field of any potential head injuries.
The new rule was first reported by Charley Casserly of CBS.
McCoy sustained a concussion Dec. 8 against Pittsburgh. Although laid out on an illegal hit by Steelers linebacker James Harrison, the QB was not tested for a concussion and the Browns sent him back in the game after two plays. The league and union met with the team last week to discuss its handling of the injury. Team President Mike Holmgren said McCoy did not display symptoms of a concussion on the field and the team’s medical staff did not test him because they did not see Harrison’s vicious hit.
McCoy still can’t practice or play, leaving Seneca Wallace to start his second straight game.
Super Bowl to be streamed live
The Super Bowl will be streamed online and to mobile phones for the first time. The NFL said that NBC’s broadcasts of wild-card Saturday, the Pro Bowl and the Super Bowl would be available on the league’s and network’s websites and through Verizon’s NFL Mobile app. The package will include additional camera angles, in-game highlights and live stats.
McCluster’s home burglarized
A man on parole for burglary was charged with burglarizing the Kansas City apartment of Chiefs running back Dexter McCluster, making off with thousands of dollars’ worth of electronics, watches and other property. The Jackson County prosecutor’s office charged 31-year-old Daniel LaBlance with one count of second-degree burglary.
Etc.
Defensive end Andre Carter, who leads the New England Patriots team with 10 sacks, was placed on injured reserve because of a quadriceps injury. . . . Houston Texans star receiver Andre Johnson, who missed six games earlier in the year because of a right hamstring injury, will sit out Thursday night’s game against Indianapolis because of a strained left hamstring. . . . The Seattle Seahawks put former USC wide receiver Mike Williams on injured reserve after he suffered a broken left ankle in Sunday’s win over Chicago. . . . New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez practiced despite a neck injury but his former USC teammate, running back Joe McKnight, sat out with a separated shoulder. . . . The Green Bay Packers placed rookie offensive tackle Derek Sherrod on injured reserve because of a broken right leg and signed third-year tackle Herb Taylor. . . . The Jacksonville Jaguars placed safety Darcel McBath on injured reserve with a forearm injury and signed veteran safety C.C. Brown.