Lacy’s concussion may leave Aaron Rodgers & his offensive-line in shambles.
When you are an aggressive running back like Green Bay Packers’ Eddie Lacy, you expect to take a lot of punishment. Lacy is aware of this and switched to the newest helmet model, Riddell Speed Flex, that is in fact created to increase the level of protection for players.
How? The SpeedFlex includes two built in features that absorbs more of the energy from high impact hits to the top of the head. It also boasts a “head impact” monitoring system that allows trainers to measure, in real time, the when, where, and how hard the helmet has been impacted. Having access to this data on the sidelines allows teams to perform concussion tests quicker, which should limit further harm to an unknowingly concussed player. Last year, the NFL settled a lawsuit regarding concussions for $765M, implemented the new rule preventing players from hitting with the crown of their helmet and still had 152 reported concussions. Maybe it is just the nature of the beast.
While we know there is no way to completely prevent injuries in a fast paced, aggressive by nature sport like professional football, this injury has to raise a slight concern about the actual functionality of the new improved Speed Flex helmet. On the flip side, at least the symptoms were identified quickly and that is something for Riddell to be proud of, as the company and the league take steps to protect their players from suffering similar injuries.
#Packers coach Mike McCarthy confirmed that RB Eddie Lacy suffered a concussion. He doesn’t play for 10 days.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 5, 2014
Lacy rushed for 34 yards on 12 carries as the Packers were punished by the defending Super Bowl Champs in Seattle 36-16. Unfortunately, he was forced to leave the game in the third quarter after the concussion tests showed concern and he will be out for a minimum of 10 days as the organization continues to closely monitor his situation.
Do remember, Lacy had to miss time last year after a similiar incident kept him out for weeks.