Concussion expert calls NFL protocol 'fraud' after Colts QB Jacoby Brissett returns

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Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett returned to the game Sunday after a hit in the third quarter left him reaching for his head, prompting criticism from a prominent concussion expert.

Chris Nowinski, co-founder and CEO of the Massachusetts-based Concussion Legacy Foundation, posted a video of the hit on Twitter and called the NFL's concussion protocol "a fraud." Nowinski wrote that Brissett showed "the clearest concussions (sic) signs of the season."

"Helmet-to-helmet hit, holds head, then goes limp, then needs help up," he wrote. "You don't need a protocol to hold this player out for the game. Check the tape."

#NFL #concussion protocol is a fraud. QB Jacoby Brissett goes back in after showing the clearest concussions signs of the season. Helmet-to-helmet hit, holds head, then goes limp, then needs help up. You don't need a protocol to hold this player out for the game. Check the tape: pic.twitter.com/db8sDwVmVl — Dr. Chris Nowinski (@ChrisNowinski1) November 12, 2017

Brissett was not permitted to speak to the media after the game. A Colts spokesperson told reporters that he developed concussion-like symptoms after the game.

Colts QB Jacoby Brissett developed concussion symptoms after the game. Won’t speak to media. Is in protocol. — Gregg Doyel (@GreggDoyelStar) November 12, 2017

On the play in question, Brissett reached for his head after sustaining a hit and remained motionless on the field for a few seconds before being helped off by teammates. He was taken to the training tent for examination, and it appeared that backup Scott Tolzien was going to enter the game, but Brissett returned before Tolzien could take a snap.

Haha. Brissett comes back in before Tolzien can take a snap. The crowd rejoices. — Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) November 12, 2017

Brissett proceeded to throw an interception later in the game, effectively sealing a 20-17 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

It's the second time in four days that a starting quarterback had re-entered the game after a hard blow to the head: The NFL is investigating whether the Seattle Seahawks appropriately followed the league's concussion protocol after a hit involving quarterback Russell Wilson on Thursday night.

The Colts said after the game that Brissett twice cleared the NFL's concussion testing, but developed concussion symptoms after the game. The second-year quarterback is now in the league's concussion protocol.

A Colts team doctor administered a concussion evaluation, which Brissett passed, according to a statement by the team.

Brissett left the tent and huddled with quarterbacks coach Brian Schottenheimer on the sideline. But moments later, members of the Colts’ medical staff approached Brissett and took him back into the tent, where he passed a concussion evaluation administered by an unaffiliated neurological consultant, according to the team statement.

The consultant was evaluating Colts defensive back Kenny Moore in the locker room and not available for the first examination.

“We were on defense (and) there was some extra time,” coach Chuck Pagano said. “Scotty started warming up… (Brissett) went through the protocol and passed it and got back out there in time to run that series.”

Contributing: The Indianapolis Star

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