NFL reviewing Keenum concussion procedures

  • Associated Press
  • Tuesday, November 24, 2015 8:49am
  • SportsSports

ST. LOUIS — The NFL is investigating whether correct concussion protocol was followed for Rams quarterback Case Keenum late in Sunday’s loss at Baltimore.

St. Louis coach Jeff Fisher said Monday the system failed because of a “combination of unusual events” and believed that nobody in particular was to blame.

A league spokesman said a review was begun after the game “to determine the facts of the injury … and why (Keenum) was not removed from the game for the necessary evaluation by a team physician or the unaffiliated neuro-trauma consultant, as required by our concussion protocols.”

That review is continuing through discussions with the Rams and their medical staff, the ATC spotter, game officials, NFL medical advisers, and the players’ union.

“The appropriate thing is to get everybody together and just make sure it doesn’t happen again,” Fisher said. “We’ve got to get it straightened out.”

Fisher believes the independent sideline observer decided not to get involved because Rams trainer Reggie Scott came on the field to examine Keenum with 1:04 remaining and the game tied at 13.

“Because he saw our head trainer on the field, he didn’t feel it was necessary to make the call,” Fisher said. “And for whatever reason, we went on with the two plays.”

Fisher inferred that Scott had to make a snap judgment before being told to return to the sideline, also noting that play clock had been started.

“He spoke to Case and he questioned Case, and Case said he felt OK,” Fisher said. “Reggie made the right decision to go out there.”

If Scott had questioned Case further on the field, Fisher had been concerned the Rams might have gotten charged with their final timeout.

Fisher said he didn’t see Keenum’s helmet hit the turf on a hit by Tim Jurnigan. He said he’d been in “game management mode.”

“I saw Case go down, but I didn’t see anything else that took place,” Fisher said. “I didn’t see him struggle to get up.”

Fisher didn’t learn Keenum had sustained a concussion until after his post-game news conference. The coach is hopeful Keenum will clear the concussion protocols and be able to start this week at Cincinnati.

“Fortunately, Case feels really good,” Fisher said. “He feels much better today.”

The NFL plans to reinforce the procedures for this week, with three games scheduled for Thanksgiving Day.

After the hit, Keenum’s hands immediately went toward his head. He struggled to get up, appearing staggered and backup Nick Foles noticed, taking a few warmup throws, but he stayed in the game.

The concussion did not appear to affect Keenum’s play in the final sequence. He was a little high on an incomplete pass intended for Wes Welker the play and was looking for potential receivers when poor blocking by left tackle Greg Robinson led to a sack/strip by Courtney Upshaw that set up the game-winning field goal by the Ravens’ Justin Tucker in a 16-13 loss.

“Anytime you implement something, there are things you have to work through,” Fisher said. “There are unintended consequences that come up.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Arlington’s Leyton Martin (2) poses for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Boys Basketball Player of the Year: Leyton Martin

Arlington’s do-it-all junior point guard led the Eagles to a district title and second straight Hardwood Classic.

X
Prep roundup for Thursday, March 28

Prep roundup for Thursday, March 28: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Left to right, Mountlake Terrace’s Zaveon Jones, Glacier Peak’s Jo Lee, Everett’s Isaiah White, Arlington’s Leyton Martin, Jackson’s Ryan McFerran, and Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel pose for a photo at Arlington High School on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Arlington, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area boys basketball teams

A look at the top prep boys basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips’ Andrew Petruk (26) fights for the puck during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Breaking down the Silvertips’ 1st-round playoff series vs. the Giants

Everett is searching for a revenge after a shocking playoff exit against Vancouver two years ago.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

University of Washington's new men's basketball coach Danny Sprinkle meets the news media, Wednesday, March 27, 2024 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)
Taking over at Washington personal for men’s basketball coach Sprinkle

Danny Sprinkle spoke about his connection to the school during his introductory press conference Wednesday.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.