The NFL saw its fewest number of concussions in the preseason since tracking started in 2015.
There were 44 concussions in practices and games, a decrease of about 24% from last year.
“The reason for that change has certainly to do with changes to rules, changes to equipment, including the Guardian Cap, as well as a host of other efforts we’ve made over the years to drive the numbers down,” said Jeff Miller, the NFL executive vice president overseeing player health and safety.
The league’s revamped kickoff rule led to fewer injuries overall but there were some concussions on the play.
“We saw a couple more concussions on the dynamic kickoff than we thought we would see,” Miller said. “We haven’t seen any concussions in the first three weeks of the dynamic kickoff in the regular season.”
Nearly 99% of players wore top-performing helmets, including more than 250 players wearing helmets that the league says provide as much — and in some cases more — protection than a helmet paired with a Guardian Cap.
There was a nearly 50% reduction in concussions in the preseason among players wearing the Guardian Cap in mandated sessions versus the pre-mandate average.
The injuries were back in the forefront when Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa sustained his fourth diagnosed concussion in five years during Week 2.
"I know that he is seeing top experts,” NFL chief medical officer Dr. Allen Sills said.
Lower-extremity strains were down by 27% in 2024 compared to the 2021 preseason, the year before the acclimation period was introduced.
“While there is no finish line in our efforts to make the game safer, the injury data from this preseason is an example of how the league’s deliberate approach to player safety continues to deliver results,” Sills said. “We’re committed to building a culture of safety around the game, and this preseason was another positive step in that direction.”
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Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa talks on the sidelines during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
ATLANTA (AP) — Kirk Cousins has found his comfort zone in his new Atlanta Falcons offense.
That exciting realization came in the second quarter of Cousins' record-setting 36-30 overtime win over Tampa Bay on Thursday night. Cousins said he felt more decisive in his passes to such targets as Drake London and Kyle Pitts and realized he could “let it rip.”
The more confident Cousins set a personal and team record by passing for 509 yards and four touchdowns, including a game-winning 45-yard scoring pass to KhaDarel Hodge. The flurry of touchdowns was especially dramatic one week after Atlanta's offense was held out of the end zone in a 26-24 win over New Orleans.
“It was a drive in the second quarter when I threw a couple passes where I was basically anticipating where Kyle was going to be or where Drake was going to be," Cousins said of his new-found comfort zone.
“I was ahead of it a little bit in a good way and threw it decisively. I just haven’t been that decisive the first few weeks. I’ve been trying to ensure that’s where they’re going and ensure that’s what I’m seeing before I let it rip.”
Added Cousins of his ability to better anticipate receivers' routes: "That’s what I was used to kind of having when you play with guys for three, four, five, six years. I can feel it starting to come.”
Falcons coach Raheem Morris remained even-keeled when he described Cousins' night as “OK” and added "We’re just scratching the surface with him.”
If so, that's bad news for the NFC South after the Falcons (3-2) moved into a tie for first place in the division with the Buccaneers.
The Falcons took advantage of impressive depth and balance in their passing game. London had game-high totals of 12 catches for 154 yards and scored a touchdown. He had ample support as five players had more than 60 receiving yards and Cousins completed passes to seven targets. With nine catches for 105 yards and two touchdowns, Darnell Mooney continues to surpass expectations as a relatively quiet offseason addition from Chicago.
Defensive tackle David Onyemata recorded the Falcons' only sack. Through five games, Atlanta ranks last in the league with five sacks.
Pitts' 88 yards receiving were a high mark since the tight end's 2021 rookie season. His seven receptions tied for the second-highest total in his four-year career. Before Thursday night, Pitts did not have more than three catches or 59 yards in a game this season.
Younghoe Koo made each of his nine field goals in the first four games before encountering some difficulty against the Bucs. Koo had a 54-yard attempt blocked in the fourth quarter after he was wide left on attempts from 46 and 41 yards in the first quarter. The 46-yarder was negated by an offside penalty against the Bucs. Koo made three attempts, including a 52-yarder at the end of regulation to send the game to overtime.
The Falcons will have extra time to heal. A player to watch will be CB Dee Alford, who left in the first half with a concussion. Also, the status of LB Troy Andersen will be a key next week. Andersen was the NFC defensive player of the week after leading the team in tackles and scoring a touchdown against the Saints, but he did not play against Tampa Bay due to a knee injury.
250 x 2 — Cousins passed for 253 yards in the first half and 256 in the second half, plus overtime. The Falcons cited research from OptaSTATS that showed Cousins to be the only quarterback in the Super Bowl era to throw for at least 250 yards in each half of a game.
Following home wins over New Orleans and Tampa Bay, Atlanta will try to continue its strong start in the division when it visits the Carolina Panthers (1-3) on Oct. 13.
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Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Darnell Mooney (1) reacts after his score against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris speaks to the media after the team defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during overtime in an NFL football game Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) celebrates after throwing a game-wining touchdown pass to wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during overtime in an NFL football game Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) celebrates with the fans after the team defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during overtime in an NFL football game Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
