04/26/24 06:14:00
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04/26 18:06 CDT NFL to allow players to wear protective soft-shell helmet
covers during games
NFL to allow players to wear protective soft-shell helmet covers during games
NEW YORK (AP) --- The NFL announced Friday it will allow players to wear
protective soft-shell helmet covers known as Guardian caps during games next
season if they choose.
The league is also expanding the use of the devices during practices. Defensive
backs and receivers have joined the position groups now required to wear the
caps during all contact practices.
The NFL has mandated the caps' use at practices for some players since 2022.
Quarterbacks, kickers and punters are the only remaining position groups not
required to wear them during practice.
No players will be required to wear the caps during games, but they now have
the option to do so.
"We've got two years of data now showing significant concussion reductions in
those players that wear Guardian Caps in the NFL," Dr. Allen Sills, the
league's chief medical officer, said during a recent webinar discussion.
According to NFL data, the cap will absorb at least 10% of the force during a
hit to the helmet. That doubles to 20% if both players involved in the hit are
using the caps.
The league said concussions reached a seven-year low during training camp last
year, when use of the caps was mandated for some players.
The caps are manufactured by Guardian Sports, based in Peachtree Corner,
Georgia, an Atlanta suburb.
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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
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