Here’s a shocking truth: even in the era of heightened awareness about player safety, critical mistakes still slip through the cracks. And this is the part most people miss—Thursday night’s NFL game between the New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles exposed a glaring oversight in the league’s concussion protocol, leaving fans and experts alike questioning the system’s integrity. The incident? Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart’s concussion evaluation, which was marred by a coach’s impatience and a process that seemed more rushed than rigorous.
The NFL and NFLPA have officially launched a joint review of the situation, as confirmed by a league spokesperson to PFT. While this is standard procedure, the circumstances are anything but ordinary. But here’s where it gets controversial—Coach Brian Daboll’s actions during Dart’s evaluation suggest a troubling disregard for medical protocols, despite the league’s 16-year-long commitment to player health and safety. Daboll approached the blue medical tent, peering inside and visibly hurrying the process, even though he didn’t fully enter. Later, he admitted his mistake and apologized, but the damage was done.
The medical tent, designed to streamline concussion evaluations without removing players from the sideline, became a flashpoint for tension between urgency and safety. Even running back Cam Skattebo entered the tent while Dart was being assessed, further highlighting the lack of boundaries. As one source bluntly put it, the scene was ‘ugly, ugly, ugly and a violation of medical protocols.’
Here’s the bigger question: Why does this keep happening? Despite clear guidelines, the pressure to return star players to the field often overshadows medical judgment. The league must act swiftly—not just with a memo reminding teams of the tent’s purpose, but with tangible changes. Options include establishing a ‘no-entry’ zone around the tent or stationing a league official to enforce protocol. These fixes are simple, but their implementation is critical.
The medical tent is meant to be a sanctuary—a portable doctor’s office where players become patients, not pawns in a high-stakes game. Yet, the emotions and urgency of competition often collide with this intent. The Dart incident isn’t just a one-off mistake; it’s a symptom of a deeper issue. Will the NFL address it head-on, or will we see history repeat itself? What do you think—is this an isolated incident, or does the league need a complete overhaul of its concussion protocols? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments.
