Washington (AFP) – Several NFL players will take advantage of a new rule allowing an extra layer of padding to be worn over helmets in regular-season games when their clubs open the season on Sunday. An off-season rule change will allow the padded oversize soft-shell impact-absorbing protective devices, known as Guardian Caps, to be used in regular-season contests after being common in pre-season workouts since 2022.
Tennessee Titans tight end Josh Whyle will wear a Guardian Cap over a new helmet aimed at reducing head injuries against Chicago on Sunday after suffering a pair of concussions. “Just for my own safety. Can’t afford to get another one and I want to be out there playing on Sundays,” Whyle said. The NFL first mandated the caps for certain position groups in workouts before the 2022 campaign, extending that to almost all players for this year’s pre-season workouts.
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Caps in games will feature team logos and stand out among the common helmets most players will wear. “I don’t really care how it looks, as long as it keeps you safe,” Whyle said. “I just think the extra protection, if they are allowing it, I think it’s great. Why not?” Indianapolis Colts tight end Kylen Granson, who suffered a concussion last season, and safety Rodney Thomas say they also plan to wear Guardian Caps in games.
The NFL has said concussions are down 50% this off-season for positions groups using Guardian Caps.
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