Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson took a painful hit to the jaw Thursday night, but he didn’t spend much time on the sideline because of it.
Following the helmet to Wilson’s face from Arizona Cardinals linebacker Karlos Dansby, referee Walt Anderson wisely sent the Seahawks star off the field. However, Wilson only missed one play while the medical staff appeared to give a cursory concussion check.
After the game, ESPN’s Kevin Seifert noted Wilson said his jaw hurt but defended the rapid medical examination.
“I think Walt did a great job first of all. He made the smartest decision. I was fine, though, 100 percent fine. And then they finally went over through the whole concussion stuff and all that.
Wilson added they “went through every question you could imagine” and that he answered more than necessary to prove he was OK.
In fairness to Wilson, his jaw appeared to take the brunt of the hit. And the violence of the impact should’ve resulted in Anderson trying to protect the quarterback’s health, which he did.
But consider us skeptical that the medical team finished the concussion protocol.
After reaching the sideline, Wilson spoke to a team staff member briefly then walked over to the blue medical tent. He stayed in there for approximately four seconds before emerging and returning to action on the next snap.
Wilson, it seems, would’ve passed the test anyway, but the concern is that the concussion protocol is actually being followed. The NFL has stated its desire to take head injuries seriously, and Seattle’s handling of Wilson might have missed the mark.