NFL Preseason Injury: Lions Game Ends Early – Morice Norris
NFL Precedent for Pausing Games: A Look Back at Recent Incidents
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The decision to temporarily halt the Philadelphia Eagles-New York Jets preseason game after a concerning injury to Jets offensive lineman Mekhi Becton understandably sparked debate. While unusual,pausing a game due to player safety isn’t entirely unprecedented in the NFL. Let’s explore similar situations that have occurred in recent years, and the context surrounding them, to understand why officials might make such a difficult call.
Recent Preseason Games Interrupted Due to Injury
Though the pause in the Eagles-Jets game felt dramatic, there are two clear precedents from preseason contests in consecutive weeks during August 2023. Thes incidents highlight the NFL’s growing sensitivity to player safety, even in exhibition games.
Patriots-Packers Preseason Game (August 19,2023)
During Week 2 of the 2023 preseason,the game between the New England Patriots and the Green Bay Packers was called off in the fourth quarter following a frightening injury to Patriots cornerback Isaiah Bolden. Bolden was carted off the field after a collision wiht teammate Calvin munson while attempting to tackle Packers receiver Malik Heath.
The impact looked severe, and understandably, medical personnel acted swiftly. Bolden was transported to a local hospital, thankfully receiving a clean bill of health and being released the following day. The game was not resumed.
Dolphins-Jaguars Preseason Game (August 26,2023)
Just a week later,another preseason game was impacted by a serious injury. The contest between the Miami Dolphins and the Jacksonville Jaguars wasn’t completed after Dolphins receiver Daewood Davis was carted off the field in the fourth quarter.Davis was injured while running a slant route and being hit by Jaguars linebacker Dequan Jackson.
Like Bolden, Davis was hospitalized and released the next day. Again, the severity of the injury prompted officials to prioritize player well-being over finishing the game.
The Context: Damar Hamlin and a Shift in NFL Priorities
These preseason incidents occurred less than a year after a truly harrowing event that profoundly impacted the NFL and its approach to player safety: the on-field cardiac arrest of Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin.
In January 2023, during a regular season game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Hamlin collapsed and required resuscitation on the field. the game was promptly suspended and later canceled. The entire league,and indeed the nation,held its breath as Hamlin fought for his life.
Hamlin’s remarkable recovery – he returned to football the following season and became a starter for the Bills – served as a powerful testament to the importance of immediate medical attention and a proactive approach to player health. It’s clear that Hamlin’s situation prompted a heightened awareness and sensitivity to potential on-field medical emergencies.
What Does This Mean for the Future?
These incidents, while unsettling, demonstrate a positive trend: the NFL is increasingly willing to prioritize player safety, even if it means interrupting or canceling a game. While no one wants to see a game end prematurely, the well-being of the athletes is paramount.
You can expect to see continued vigilance from medical staff and officials, and a willingness to err on the side of caution when a player’s health is at risk. The NFL is learning, adapting, and striving to create a safer environment for its players, and these recent events are a clear indication of that commitment.