Be Miss and Cleveland Browns fans alike received positive news Friday in regard to Elijah Moore’s injury status after he took to his head on “Thursday Night Football.”
The former Rebels standout receiver and Browns pass-catcher has been released from the hospital and has since been placed in the NFL’s concussion protocol after exhibited a fencing response on a routine hit vs. the New York Jets. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski provided an update to his status when speaking with reporters via video conference on Friday.
The NFL in recent seasons has come under fire not only in regard to players suffering head injuries, but also the protocol in place that keeps players from returning too soon. Former Alabama quarterback and Miami Dolphins signal-caller Tua Tagovailoa was a central figure in that controversy last season after suffering numerous concussions, including one in which he exhibited fencing during a “TNF” game vs. the Cincinnati Bengals.
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Here’s all you need to know about Moore’s injury status, the injury he suffered, its similarity to Tagovailoa’s and the NFL concussion protocol:
What happened to Elijah Moore?
In the second quarter of Thursday’s Browns-Jets game, Moore suffered a hit to his head on what appeared to be a routine tackle by Jets linebacker C.J. Mosley. That caused the former to lay on the ground while his arms and neck spasmed.
Here is a video of the tackle and ensuing response. (Editor’s note: Contents of the video may be disturbing).
Moore was eventually able to leave the field on his own power. He did not return to the game.
Elijah Moore injury update
Moore on Friday was released from the hospital after spending the night for evaluation following the hit to his head vs. the Jets. He has since been placed in the NFL’s concussion protocol, placing his availability for the remainder of the regular season (and beyond) in doubt.
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NFL concussion protocol
The NFL revamped its concussion protocol in 2022 to ensure concussions are properly diagnosed and that third-party neurotrauma experts fully clear players before they return to play. Any player in the protocol (i.e., someone who exhibits symptoms of a concussion), must clear several steps before they are able to return to play.
Here is a step-by-step look at that protocol, directly from the NFL:
- Phase 1 (Symptom limited activity): The player-patient is prescribed rest, limiting or, if necessary, avoiding activities (both physical and cognitive) which increase or aggravate symptoms.
- Phase 2 (Aerobic exercise): Under the direct oversight of the Club’s medical staff, the player-patient should begin graduated cardiovascular exercise (e.g., stationary bicycle, treadmill) and may also engage in dynamic stretching and balance training. The duration and intensity of all activity may be gradually increased so long asthe player-patient does not increase or aggravate signs or symptoms while performing the activity and for a reasonable period thereafter.
- Phase 3 (Football specific exercise): The player-patient is allowed to practice with the team in sport specific exercise for 30 minutes or less, with ongoing and careful symptom monitoring by the medicalstaff. If neurocognitive testing was not administered after Phase 2, itshould be administered during Phase 3.
- Phase 4 (Club-based non-contact training drills): The player-patient may continue cardiovascular conditioning, strength and balance training, team-based sport-specific exercise, and participate in non-contact football activities such as throwing, catching, running and other position-specific activities, progressing to participation in non-contact team practice activities.
- Phase 5 (Full football activity/clearance)
Kevin Stefanski comments on Elijah Moore
Here is what Stefanski said of Moore’s injury status on Friday:
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Tua Tagovailoa injury
In the immediate aftermath of Moore’s “TNF” exit, several people noted similarities between his and Tagovailoa’s respective head injuries, with the latter likewise suffering his in a “TNF” game vs. the Bengals in 2022. Like Moore, Tagovailoa exhibited what is called “fencing:” an involuntary neurological reaction caused by an injury to the brain.
In Tagovailoa’s case, his fencing response saw his fingers curl involuntarily while he lay prone on the turf. Moore’s fencing response saw his arms and neck spasm.
Per Verywell Healthfencing is defined as “an involuntary physical position that occurs as a result of severe brain injury. This type of posture resembles an athletic fencing position — one arm is bent towards the body, and the other arm is outstretched.”
