The Cleveland Browns will not be disciplined by the NFL for their handling of quarterback Colt McCoy’s concussion, a league spokesman confirmed to NFL.com and NFL Network.
The Browns came under intense scrutiny last week for how the team reacted to McCoy’s head injury during a loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Dec. 8, prompting representatives from the NFL and NFL Players Association to meet with team medical personnel. That led to a reform in the NFL’s game-day procedures on head injuries, as the league notified all 32 teams that certified athletic trainers will be stationed at games successful instantly to monitor players for possible concussions.
McCoy nevertheless hasn’t shaken symptoms from the concussion sustained nearly two weeks ago and wasn’t cleared to practice again on Wednesday. Browns coach Pat Shurmur said McCoy was evaluated by team doctors and did “a small physical activity” as he continues to recover.
McCoy has not been noticed at the team’s training facility this week. The second-year quarterback, who has displayed immense toughness whilst becoming roughed up all season, will miss his second straight game Saturday at Baltimore. Backup Seneca Wallace will begin against the Ravens, despite the fact that Shurmur has not produced that announcement official.
The Browns are getting additional careful in their therapy of McCoy. It was their failure to check him for a concussion on the field or sideline at Heinz Field that prompted the league to institute the new game-day policy, which will be paid for by the NFL.
The league’s medical staff and the NFL Players Association had input into the modifications following their meeting with the Browns last week to talk about McCoy’s post-injury therapy. Commissioner Roger Goodell took component in the talks by way of teleconference as did Browns president Mike Holmgren.
McCoy wasn’t tested for a concussion until soon after the loss to the Steelers, and was sent back into the game right after missing just two plays. The Browns said McCoy wasn’t showing symptoms of a concussion so they didn’t test him. Also, team doctors were treating other players and didn’t see the impact from Harrison’s vicious hit, which earned the Steelers’ linebacker a one-game suspension he served in Pittsburgh’s loss to San Francisco on Monday.
Harrison returned to practice on Wednesday following his 1-game suspension and delivered one more shot on the Browns. He believes they should be disciplined for their handling of McCoy.
Shurmur was vague when he was asked if McCoy had visited any specialists on head trauma. Tight end Benjamin Watson sought outside medical advice last week soon after suffering his third concussion because July. The Browns, who have had eight players sustain concussions, placed him on injured reserve Friday.
“You can’t say he hasn’t observed 1,” Shurmur stated. “He’s been evaluated just like Ben, by all the correct people. They’re all physicians. No genuine distinction.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report
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