New concussion protocols kept Bridgewater from returning

Miami Dolphins quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. Kevin R. Wexler-NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK

New NFL, NFLPA concussion protocols kept Dolphins QB Teddy Bridgewater from returning to game against Jets

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 10/9/22

Before Week 5, the NFL and NFLPA introduced changes to the league's concussion protocols in the interest of player safety. During Sunday's Miami Dolphins vs. New York Jets matchup, the new concussion policies set by the NFL sprung into action.

Early in the first quarter, Jets rookie cornerback Sauce Gardner laid a hit on Dolphins signal-caller Teddy Bridgewater, driving him to the ground. The force of the impact caused Bridgewater to smack the back of his head on the turf. After being evaluated for an elbow injury and passing the concussion tests on the sidelines, Bridgewater still could not return to the game. The injury spotter in the booth reportedly witnessed Bridgewater stumble after the hit, which automatically made the quarterback ineligible to return to the game.

For clarity: Dolphins say Teddy Bridgewater passed his concussion tests but was ruled out due to concussion protocol based on what the ATC spotter saw from Bridgewater and new NFL-NFLPA protocols (ataxia as no-go to return). Bridgewater, hurt on his 1st play, is in the protocol.
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) October 9, 2022

Bridgewater allegedly showed symptoms that fall under the league's new "no-go" list. On Saturday, the NFL and NFLPA announced "Ataxia," categorized as an abnormality of balance/stability, motor coordination, or dysfunctional speech caused by a neurological issue.

While many see this as a positive step forward in how the NFL tackles head injuries, others, like former quarterback Danny Kanell envision some issues with the new mandates in the future.

Teddy Bridgewater is not allowed to return to game because of this hit. Doctors who examined him cleared him but the new policy won't allow him to return because someone didn't like the way this looked. This policy is going to be a disaster. pic.twitter.com/8C66UEW6Iz
— Danny Kanell (@dannykanell) October 9, 2022