The NFL will reportedly investigate whether the Seattle Seahawks followed concussion protocol while evaluating quarterback Russell Wilson after taking a hard hit to the chin from Karlos Dansby during Thursday's game against the Arizona Cardinals, according to ESPN's Kevin Seifert.
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Wilson told reporters that he "got smacked in the jaw pretty good there," after the game, but insisted that he was not concussed.
The quarterback was taken to the Seahawks' medical tent to be evaluated for a concussion, but returned to the field shortly afterward. Wilson was pulled out of the game by an official, but was reportedly cleared to return after being evaluated by Seattle's medical staff.
If the NFL does rule that the Seahawks failed to follow concussion protocol, Seattle could face a fine of up to $150,000 and its medical staff would be forced to undergo more training, which is the standard punishment for a first-time offender.
The league has faced scrutiny for its handling of concussions in recent years, which has coincided with the growing number of former players being diagnosed with CTE.
The NFL made revisions to its penalties to put more emphasis on preventing concussions prior to the 2016 season. If the league rules that there were "aggravating circumstances" or that a team ignored protocol all together, it can face even stiffer punishment, which includes losing draft picks.
