AP

For the first time, ATC spotters have the ability to stop the action on the field to order an immediate evaluation of a player who appears to be in distress, specifically with a potential head injury. For the first time ever, the procedure was utilized on Sunday.

According to the NFL, the ATC spotter assigned to the Steelers-Rams game exercised the power to pause the action in the third quarter because Pittsburgh defensive back Antwon Blake needed to be evaluated for a concussion. The evaluation occurred, Blake was cleared, and he later returned to the game.

Last week, the ATC spotter apparently missed a concussion suffered by Vikings guard Brandon Fusco. The NFLPA is investigating.

The ATC spotter received the ability to call a timeout in part because the ATC spotter at Super Bowl XLIX believed that Patriots receiver Julian Edelman needed a concussion evaluation, but it didn’t happen until the fourth-quarter drive in question ended.