If it seems as though more and more NFL players are missing time because of concussions, it’s because they are.
According to league data, 154 concussions — from practices or games — were reported from the start of the preseason through the eighth week of the 2010 regular season. That’s an increase of 21 percent over the 127 concussions through the eighth week of the 2009 season, and a 34 percent jump from the 115 reported over the same span in 2008.
Dr. Hunt Batjer of Northwestern University, co-chairman of the NFL’s head, neck and spine medical committee, called the numbers “a great sign.”
“We’re trying to make sure that players have the message: Playing through pain is good; playing through pain is what sports are about,” Batjer said. “But that’s leg pain. That’s arm pain. Not brain injury.”
Vikings could use Favre
EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — Brett Favre’s NFL-record streak of starting 297 consecutive regular-season games ended Monday; the Vikings have been eliminated from playoff contention, but interim coach Leslie Frazier said Favre is his choice to start Monday night’s game against the Bears.
Favre, who’s nursing a sprained throwing shoulder and a numb hand, was feeling better Tuesday, according to Frazier, who actually sounded more optimistic about Favre’s availability for Monday’s game than he did about the status of backup Tarvaris Jackson (turf toe).
• Metrodome’s snow-collapsed roof can’t be repaired in time for Monday night’s game, so it will be moved to Minnesota’s TCF Bank Stadium, the roofless home of the Gophers.
Footnotes.
Two days after letting the snap on an extra- point attempt go through his hands in a one-point loss and saying “If anybody needs to lose their job, it’s me,” Redskins punter-holder Hunter Smith was replaced on the roster with Sam Paulescu.
• Steelers tight end Heath Miller has passed his postconcussion neurological tests and will return to practice today.
The Associated Press
