The NFL has imposed a number of new rules over the last few seasons to try and limit concussions in games. Maybe practices should be put under the microscope, too.
Cincinnati Bengals offensive lineman Andrew Whitworth suffered a concussion during practice this week, according to Geoff Hobson of Bengals.com, making it unlikely that he’ll be ready to play on Sunday.
Whitworth, 32, was a Pro Bowler at left tackle last season, but he made the transition inside to guard this season to help bolster Cincinnati’s interior line in place of the injured Clint Boling. He joins a couple of other Bengals veterans dealing with concussions, including linebacker James Harrison and defensive end Carlos Dunlap.
It is rare for players to suffer concussions during practice, especially since teams usually tone down the physicality during practice, making Whitworth’s injury a curious case. However, considering it does happen at a low rate, it wouldn’t be surprising if the NFL looked into safety conditions in practices at some point in the near future.
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Photo via Facebook/Andrew Whitworth
