Jordan Reed

Six concussions is nothing to brush off as insignificant. At the same time, it's his choice and, at this point, the long-term health risks are well-known. He's a grown ass man and, if he chooses to "assume the risk" by covering up his injuries so that he can continue to play, well, that's his choice.

The Skins medical team simply needs to have a sit down with him, give him the proper warnings, and sternly instruct him not to promptly report future concussive symptoms. Document the crap out of it and send him on his way. If he plays anyway or hides the symptoms, he's got no one but himself to blame. People are allowed to do dumb things.

More to the point, the root of the problem wasn't that concussions were happening; it was that the NFL knew they were an issue, wasn't telling the players about some of the risks, and, at times, flat out misleading them. Additionally, management was essentially saying, if you don't play through this, we may just have to cut you and find someone who will.

The NFL is now making sure that, if a player gets dinged, they are covering their asses by performing evaluations, keeping known injured players out, and not overtly forcing players to "play through the pain." Again, if a player with a concussion history chooses to play in this day and age, it's on him.

I am concerned that Reed's concussions will catch up with him sooner rather than later. He is a beast and I hope he is beasting for the Skins for many, many years. However, I do not foresee a particularly long career in his future. I hope I am wrong.

Im with you Joe...

But Reed practiced yesterday and isn't ruled out for this week and he meets with a doctor for clearance tomorrow. Havent heard if he is practicing today.

Thats not what I said.
I said "will he?"

And I'm associating Reeds condition and using him as an example regarding the NFLs current concussion dilemma.

Go away

Six concussions is nothing to brush off as insignificant. At the same time, it's his choice and, at this point, the long-term health risks are well-known. He's a grown ass man and, if he chooses to "assume the risk" by covering up his injuries so that he can continue to play, well, that's his choice.

The Skins medical team simply needs to have a sit down with him, give him the proper warnings, and sternly instruct him not to promptly report future concussive symptoms. Document the crap out of it and send him on his way. If he plays anyway or hides the symptoms, he's got no one but himself to blame. People are allowed to do dumb things.

More to the point, the root of the problem wasn't that concussions were happening; it was that the NFL knew they were an issue, wasn't telling the players about some of the risks, and, at times, flat out misleading them. Additionally, management was essentially saying, if you don't play through this, we may just have to cut you and find someone who will.

The NFL is now making sure that, if a player gets dinged, they are covering their asses by performing evaluations, keeping known injured players out, and not overtly forcing players to "play through the pain." Again, if a player with a concussion history chooses to play in this day and age, it's on him.

I am concerned that Reed's concussions will catch up with him sooner rather than later. He is a beast and I hope he is beasting for the Skins for many, many years. However, I do not foresee a particularly long career in his future. I hope I am wrong.

Welcome to overreaction city, population: JR. Yes it's a concern but to start talking about it ending his career early, there's no factual basis for that. He's stated publicly that he respects the choices of those like Chris Borland who have decided to retire from the game to avoid this issue, but in the same breath said that's not the way he's going to choose to do it.

So unless you can show me a bunch of guys whose career has been ended against their will due to concussions, then it's hyperbole.

Go away

Learn to read....

No you're the puppet!

<sigh> It's been a while since I have been Schneeded.

Yes. He's going to play because, for now, he can choose to do so without it affecting his play. To me, given his history with concussions and his general injury history, he seems to have a little of the "eggshell" effect - one of those guys who just gets injured. Further, because of that, I think it very possible he will get his bell rung one to many times with the result that his physical ability to play will become impaired.

In terms of players forced out due to concussive effects, two come to mind. Jahvid Best and Jovan Belcher. Of course, no one was talking about concussive effects being a factor until recently and the cumulative effects of multiple concussions has only recently been discussed at the NFL levels. In the case of Belcher, it wasn't until they exhumed his body and founds signs of CTE that the role of concussions in his murder-suicide was even considered.

Have players been cut b/c they weren't as sharp as they once were? Are there symptoms we recognize now that weren't obvious before this discussion began? Bottom line is that, we don't know how many careers were cut short by concussive effects b/c no one was really checking that. While generally occurring later in life, some concussive effects can have permanent or live altering effects after even after a second such event.

Neurosurgeons and other brain-injury experts emphasize that although some concussions are less serious than others, there is no such thing as a "minor concussion." In most cases, a single concussion should not cause permanent damage. A second concussion soon after the first one, however, does not have to be very strong for its effects to be deadly or permanently disabling.

AANS - Concussion (http://www.aans.org/Patient%20Information/Conditions%20and%20Treatments/Concussion.aspx)

Then there's this: 11 NFL Careers Cut Short By Concussions (http://hypun.com/11-nfl-careers-cut-short-by-concussions/12/)

Just b/c it is only recently that this issue has gotten attention doesn't mean players weren't affected by it previously. Because concussions effect everyone differently, and not every head trauma is the same, I suspect that, for every guy who has played through 15-20 concussions with no ill-effects, there are guys who are never the same after the first couple. There is simply no way to know how many players' careers were ended "against their will" b/c of concussions for the simple reason that, before 2010 or so, it was not a matter of public attention. Guys who had their "bell-rung" one too many times were likely cut with little or no fanfare.

I concede you one point. Much depends on the willingness of the player to play on despite numerous concussions. At the same time, you want to pretend that concussions can never have a progressive effect on a player's physical abilities and cut his NFL career short? Well, that's just obstinate Schneeding.

I just want to say one thing. If Reed was my son or brother or whatever I would seriously consider talking him into retirement. It is painfully obvious what repeated brain injuries can do to a person LATER ON in their life. Of course as a Redskin fan I want him out there. Of course as a young standout star in the league Reed wants to be out there. So bad that he has admittedly hid his injuries in the past.
Schneed When you say "there is no factual basis to start talking about it ending his career early" - well yes...there is no law that states you must retire when you reach a certain amount of concussions. HOWEVER there is plenty of factual basis for it being a huge issue in the years to come. So, that being said I dont think it is "over reaction" it is concern. Reed is a kid who is on track to be a great nfl player and make a boatload of money. Of course he doesn't want to retire. Ask Junior Seau if he could go back and retire early- would he? Whoops can't ask him. Tons of others dealing with it now that you could ask though.

No you're the puppet!

Freezer Dolls? those dolls are some cold hombres...

The tight end said that his family has expressed concern about his health, as have Redskins coaches and officials.

“[My family members] are always going to show concern and stuff like that because they care more about my health than anything, but I’ve got to take care of my family, so I’ve got to do what I’ve got to do,” Reed said.

Asked about his fear of long-term damage, Reed said, “It comes into my mind sometimes, but I pray a lot and I’ve got faith in the Lord that I’ll be all right, so that’s how I think.”

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/football-insider/wp/2016/10/19/jordan-reed-hid-latest-concussion-from-redskins-until-the-day-after-ravens-game/

To say 5 or 6 concussions for a 4th year player is not a concern is just plain silly. He seems to understand the risk vs reward and right now, he views the risk as a necessary element for providing for his family. A few years from now and another concussion or two .. maybe the scales tip towards retirement.
I think we all agree we wish him the best and hope Burfict doesnt cheap shot him in London.