:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47812671/CVkW0YOUwAAvU4S.0.0.jpg)
In the closing minutes of the first half against the Miami Dolphins, Ravens quarterback Matt Schaub took a big hit after a throw. His head would bounce off the turf and he would clearly scream and grab at his helmet. Even though Schaub would get up without any wobble, it was clear cut that he took a hit to the head that could be a concussion.
New medical timeout rule not being used by "eye-in-sky". #Schaub continued in game without medical check. https://t.co/B1i9q0NXG5
— David J. Chao, MD (@ProFootballDoc) December 6, 2015
Yet, the referees wouldn't stop play and force the quarterback to undergo neurological testing for a concussion. The Ravens even prepped backup quarterback Jimmy Clausen on the sideline, showing that they feared the hit was worthy of a longer examination. He would stay in and throw two interceptions, including a pick-six, all within 20 seconds.
Referee has ability to call medical timeout as well. Seems to check on #Schaub but allows game to continue. https://t.co/4PxQnPt5GA
— David J. Chao, MD (@ProFootballDoc) December 6, 2015
Concussions are becoming a huge issue for the NFL and Roger Goodell as the new Will Smith movie about brain injuries is getting ready to come out. We've seen former players commit suicide over the last few years in ways that preserved their brains for study due to alarming symptoms from their playing days and have had current players offer their brain to the study of the long-term effects from these hits.
Just a few weeks ago, the Ravens would have a hard hit on St. Louis Rams quarterback Case Keenum, leading to a similar scenario. Keenum would get hit so hard to the head that he would get up and stumble for a while. With as much of an indication towards a concussion as you could get, Keenum would never get checked out. After an investigation by the NFL, it found that nothing was wrong and everything was handled properly. The NFLPA has made mention that it would look into it and possibly press action.
The league is trying hard to make the game safer, though fans believe it is more for the public relations side of things than for the actual safety of it's players. Having quarterbacks take these types of hits and not undergo any concussion testing is a huge black mark on the league and gives credence to th idea that league really doesn't care.