Neuroscientist Chris Nowinski has called for the NFL to investigate a potential head injury suffered by Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen during a game against the Houston Texans. Allen was evaluated for possible concussion, chest, and ankle injuries after a hard hit in the fourth quarter, but he was cleared to return to the game by the team’s medical staff.
His head had struck the ground, and Allen lay motionless before being turned over by his teammates. This incident has raised concerns about the handling of head injuries in the NFL.
After the hit, Allen went to the sideline medical tent for evaluation, where doctors typically assess players for injuries, including concussions. When Allen emerged from the tent, he appeared to be offered smelling salts, a substance often used to help athletes feel more alert. Allen then re-entered the game, but this action has sparked debate about the appropriateness of his return given the circumstances surrounding his apparent head injury.
Nowinski, co-founder of the Concussion Legacy Foundation, expressed concern after watching the video of the incident. He observed that Allen’s attempt to protect his head during the fall was followed by his arm going limp, which is a sign that Allen may have lost consciousness for a brief moment. Nowinski believes that this should have been a red flag for medical staff, raising ethical concerns about whether Allen was fully aware of his condition and whether he should have been allowed to continue playing.
The use of smelling salts after Allen’s examination is particularly troubling to Nowinski. He argues that allowing players to use such stimulants after being evaluated for a potential concussion is problematic, as it could mask the true extent of a head injury. Nowinski emphasized that this practice should be reconsidered and suggested that new rules should be introduced to prevent its recurrence during concussion evaluations.
Despite the concerns raised by Nowinski, Allen stated in his postgame press conference that he felt well enough to return to the game. The Bills and the NFL have not yet commented on the incident, but Nowinski’s remarks highlight the ongoing debate about player safety in the NFL and the need for strict protocols when dealing with head injuries.
