Fans of Ole Miss and the Cleveland Browns received reassuring news on Friday regarding Elijah Moore’s injury status following a head incident during “Thursday Night Football.” The former standout receiver for Ole Miss and Browns pass-catcher was discharged from the hospital and is now under the NFL’s concussion protocol after displaying a fencing response during a routine hit against the New York Jets. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski provided an update on Moore’s condition in a video conference with reporters on Friday.
The NFL has faced criticism in recent seasons not only for players experiencing head injuries but also for the effectiveness of the protocols preventing premature returns to play. Last season, former Alabama quarterback and Miami Dolphins player Tua Tagovailoa was at the center of this controversy after sustaining multiple concussions, including one where he exhibited a fencing response during a “Thursday Night Football” game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
What transpired with Elijah Moore?
As for Elijah Moore’s injury, it occurred in the second quarter of the Browns-Jets game on Thursday. Moore took a hit to the head during what seemed like a routine tackle by Jets linebacker C.J. Mosley, leading him to lie on the ground with spasms in his arms and neck.
Moore was released from the hospital on Friday after a night of evaluation following the head hit against the Jets. He is now in the NFL’s concussion protocol, casting doubt on his availability for the remainder of the regular season and beyond.
The NFL implemented changes to its concussion protocol in 2022 to ensure proper diagnosis and require clearance from third-party neurotrauma experts before players can return to the field. The protocol involves several phases:
1. Phase 1 (Symptom limited activity): The player rests, avoiding activities that may worsen symptoms.
2. Phase 2 (Aerobic exercise): Under medical supervision, the player starts cardiovascular exercise and engages in dynamic stretching and balance training.
3. Phase 3 (Football-specific exercise): The player practices with the team in sport-specific exercises for a limited time, with ongoing symptom monitoring.
4. Phase 4 (Club-based non-contact training drills): The player continues cardiovascular conditioning, strength and balance training, and participates in non-contact football activities.
5. Phase 5 (Full football activity/clearance): The player can resume full football activities after successfully completing the earlier phases without symptom aggravation.