The old standard, established in 2007, said a player should not be allowed to return to the same game if he lost consciousness.
Yesterday’s memo also says players “are to be encouraged to be candid with team medical staffs and fully disclose any signs or symptoms that may be associated with a concussion.’’
Nearly one-fifth of 160 players surveyed by the AP from Nov. 2-15 replied that they have hidden or played down the effects of a concussion.
The league said its concussion committee, team doctors, outside medical experts, and the NFL Players Association developed the new standards.
Browns’ Lewis on IR
Browns running back Jamal Lewis, who announced last month that he planned to retire following this season, was placed on injured reserve with post-concussion symptoms, a premature and unceremonious ending to his illustrious career.
Coach Eric Mangini, who declined to mention Lewis’s injury in two news conferences this week, said the decision to put Lewis - and safety Brodney Pool - on IR came after consulting with the club’s medical team.
“As I’ve said before, organizationally, players’ health and safety are paramount in any decision we make with regards to putting them back on the field,’’ Mangini said in a statement. “Jamal has been an integral part of this team and he has exhibited a great work ethic. He worked hard, studied hard, and set a good example for the younger running backs.’’
Pool sustained at least his fourth known concussion last Sunday against the Bengals.
With a bruising style that flattened would-be tacklers, Lewis rushed for 10,607 yards, ranking him 21st on the NFL’s all-time list. Lewis was the league’s offensive player of the year in 2003, when he rushed for 2,066 yards with Baltimore.
Ward apologizes
Pittsburgh receiver Hines Ward said at a team meeting that he regretted creating a distraction when he questioned why a concussion had kept quarterback Ben Roethlisberger from playing against Baltimore last Sunday night, a game the struggling Steelers lost in overtime.
