NFL’s Concussion Protocol Issues Come To The Forefront After Failure To Check Gardner Minshew Post Brutal Hit

There is no scope for compromise on player health and safety by the NFL. But in an apparent oversight during the Indianapolis Colts vs. Cincinnati Bengals game, the referees’ move has raised eyebrows. The Colts were trailing with a 14-0 score, with minutes left for the second half to end when a player took a brutal hit.

The injury proved to be costly for the Colts as they went on to record nil scores in the next two quarters. Gardner Minshew’s status, however, remains in the dark and we will get to know for sure only after he has gone through a thorough checkup after the game.

Gardner Minshew’s health compromised as NFL skips protocol

The Colts were 3rd and 6, deep inside Bengals’ territory. Once the ball was snapped, QB Minshew attempted a run for the end zone. But then, before he could make it in, he was hit hard by two defenders. The blow seemed to be a powerful one and Minshew was slow to get up. But he was allowed to continue playing without being checked for a concussion. JPAFootball called it “Unacceptable.”

Minshew had taken a hit from Bengals LB Logan Wilson. Minshew’s head connected with his shoulder and he crashed to the ground. Anthony Richardson, the Colts’ starting QB, had been sidelined for the remainder of the season when he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in October and Minshew was called in to fill his shoes.

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Despite the setback, he managed to score a touchdown later in the game. But the Colts suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of the Bengals.

The Colts lost to the Bengals 34-14 after tying in the first half

The Colts closed the 14-0 deficit in a matter of 25 seconds. Minshew scored the first TD for the Colts and as the ball went into the Bengals’ possession, Colts linebacker Ronnie Harrison Jr. intercepted the ball and raced to the end zone for another touchdown. While the extra point after Minshew’s TD was no good, they managed a 2-point conversion after the Harrison score.

But, unfortunately, they were outplayed by Bengals’ backup QB, Jake Browning, who threw 2 TD passes. Their defense also completely shut down the Colts’ offense in the second half as they exited the second half with a nil score. With today’s defeat, the Colts’ four-game winning streak came to an end. And while the Bengals will remain in the playoff conversation, the Colts’ positioning has taken a hit.