Kansas City Chiefs

NFL asks teams to stop commenting on concussions

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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After the Chiefs created mass confusion surrounding the status of quarterback Alex Smith with public comments, the NFL has asked all teams to simply stop talking about concussions.

According to ProFootballTalk’s Mike Florio, executive V.P. of football operations Troy Vincent sent a memo to all coaches and general managers in the league, directed them to “refrain from making public comments regarding the condition of a concussed player or speculating as to when he may return to practice and play once in the concussion protocol.”

It also includes a generic answer to give to those inquiring about potentially concussed players: “The player is in the concussion protocol under the supervision of the medical team, and the club will monitor his status.”

Last week the Chiefs said that Smith had sustained a concussion, only to later walk back the statement. Backup Nick Foles started in his place last weekend.

– Kenny Ducey

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