NFL System Failed Case Keenum

EARTH CITY, Mo. – St. Louis Rams quarterback Case Keenum returned to practice Wednesday as he continues in the NFL’s concussion protocol. A league spokesman said a review was begun after the game “to determine the facts of the injury… and why (Keenum) was not removed from the game for the necessary evaluation by a team physician or the unaffiliated neuro-trauma consultant, as required by our concussion protocols.”That review is continuing through discussions with the Rams and their medical staff, the ATC spotter, game officials, NFL medical advisers, and the players union. But defenses have started to key on the rookie and he’s been held to 200 yards with a 3.2-yard average the past three games, plus he had a key lost fumble down the stretch against the Ravens. “We’ve got to get it straightened out”.

Just four weeks ago, after defeating the San Francisco 49ers 27-6 on November 1, the Rams were 4-3, the first time the franchise had been above. “In the meantime, prior to this week’s games, we will reinforce with all involved the need to ensure that these injuries are properly identified and addressed in a manner consistent with our protocols”. “But we’re a dirty team and they’re hitting us two or three seconds after the play is over, and they hit Tavon [Austin] out of bounds?” Because of that, we’ll simulate the game with Keenum starting. However, after talking to the trainers, he stayed in the game – an appalling act in today’s National Football League where a player’s safety following a head hit is one of the top priorities. So, the league’s gathering information and we’re looking at the system under which we operate right now to see if there’s anything we can do to where we avoid that kind of situation that happened to Case.

With Fisher an influential member of the league’s Competition Committee, he was asked about any ideas he had to improve the game-day protocols. He said hed been in  ” game management mode. ” ”I saw Case go down, but I didnt see anything else that took place, ” Fisher said.

“Our head trainer did go on the field, and he got out there, and he spoke to Case”.

Keenum stayed in the final two plays despite signs of a concussion following a hit that lead to the back of his head bouncing off the ground. After Keenum was sacked, Reynolds was the first teammate to get to Keenum, and he tried to help the quarterback to his feet. Head coach Jeff Fisher said, “He’s doing well”. While Fisher insisted nobody can be blamed for this, it’s an inexcusable error to leave a clearly concussed player in the game. “I didnt see him struggle to get up.”Fisher didnt learn Keenum had sustained a concussion until after his post-game news conference.