The Philadelphia Eagle’s training staff along with an independent neurologist have cleared quarterback Michael Vick for Sunday play. The decision comes less than a week after Vick suffered a concussion against the Atlanta Falcons.
Vick returned to full practice on Thursday and was seen throwing passes, jogging and participating in drills with fellow QBs Mike Kafka and Vince Young. Vick also practiced with first-team offense.
The teams lead QB had to be cleared by an independent neurologist because of the league’s 2009 concussion policy which says a player:
“Should not be considered for return-to-football activities until he is fully asymptomatic, both at rest and after exertion, has a normal neurological examination, normal neuropsychological testing, and has been cleared to return by both his team physician(s) and the independent neurological consultant.”
To help avoid future concussions Michael Vick will now wear a specially designed Unequaled Technologies helmet that his been created with Kevlar padding.
Unequaled Technologies CEO Rob Vito told ESPN :
“The 100-year-old foam everybody is using in helmets is antiquated,” while he added, “Concussions are the injury of our age and really they should not be happening anymore.”
Vick has been a spokesman for the protective wear company since 2010, wearing one of their Kevlar vests after he injured a rib during Washington Redskins week 4 play last season.
During his career Michael Vick has only had one full 16-game season, missing three games with his rib injury during the 2010-2011 season.
Do you think concussion preventing helmets should be an NFL requirement? Given the controversy surrounding concussions in the league perhaps such a high profile player using safer equipment will create a domino effect.