Tua Tagovailoa's return to the field will be determined by his own medical decision-making and patient autonomy, as the NFL does not impose an outcome for concussions. The decrease in preseason concussions indicates positive progress in player safety measures, including new rules, practice schedule adjustments, and helmet supplements like Guardian Caps.

Why it matters: This approach prioritizes the well-being and autonomy of players, allowing them to make informed decisions about their careers while receiving medical advice.

What's new: Tua Tagovailoa, who has experienced multiple concussions, is currently seeking medical advice from experts before making a decision about returning to play.

Yes, but: Predicting future risks of concussions is challenging, as there is no specific formula to determine an individual's susceptibility. Factors such as concussion history, symptom duration, and personal circumstances contribute to medical professionals' best guesses.

• Dr. Allen Sills emphasizes the importance of patient autonomy and medical decision-making, recognizing the role of discussions with medical experts in guiding players' choices.
• Dr. Allen Sills explains that predicting future risk is not a straightforward process and requires considering various factors unique to each individual.

What to watch: The gradual implementation of Guardian Caps and other safety measures has contributed to a decrease in preseason concussions, signaling progress in player protection.

• The use of Guardian Caps helmet supplements has led to fewer concussions during preseason games.
• Alternative helmets exempting players from wearing Guardian Caps have been tried by approximately 200 players.

Yes, but: While the overall number of concussions has decreased, some incidents still occur during preseason games, suggesting the need for ongoing vigilance in player safety.

What's next: The absence of reported concussions on kickoffs during the first three weeks of the regular season is a positive development.

The bottom line: The NFL's commitment to player safety includes prioritizing patient autonomy, implementing safety measures like Guardian Caps, and continually monitoring the occurrence of concussions. The combination of these efforts aims to protect players and ensure their well-being on the field.

Tua Tagovailoa's return to the field will be determined by his own medical decision-making and patient autonomy, as the NFL does not impose an outcome for concussions. The decrease in preseason concussions indicates positive progress in player safety measures, including new rules, practice schedule adjustments, and helmet supplements like Guardian Caps.

Why it matters: This approach prioritizes the well-being and autonomy of players, allowing them to make informed decisions about their careers while receiving medical advice.

What's new: Tua Tagovailoa, who has experienced multiple concussions, is currently seeking medical advice from experts before making a decision about returning to play.

Yes, but: Predicting future risks of concussions is challenging, as there is no specific formula to determine an individual's susceptibility. Factors such as concussion history, symptom duration, and personal circumstances contribute to medical professionals' best guesses.

• Dr. Allen Sills emphasizes the importance of patient autonomy and medical decision-making, recognizing the role of discussions with medical experts in guiding players' choices.
• Dr. Allen Sills explains that predicting future risk is not a straightforward process and requires considering various factors unique to each individual.

What to watch: The gradual implementation of Guardian Caps and other safety measures has contributed to a decrease in preseason concussions, signaling progress in player protection.

• The use of Guardian Caps helmet supplements has led to fewer concussions during preseason games.
• Alternative helmets exempting players from wearing Guardian Caps have been tried by approximately 200 players.

Yes, but: While the overall number of concussions has decreased, some incidents still occur during preseason games, suggesting the need for ongoing vigilance in player safety.

What's next: The absence of reported concussions on kickoffs during the first three weeks of the regular season is a positive development.

The bottom line: The NFL's commitment to player safety includes prioritizing patient autonomy, implementing safety measures like Guardian Caps, and continually monitoring the occurrence of concussions. The combination of these efforts aims to protect players and ensure their well-being on the field.