The Ravens beat the Rams 16-13 after Justin Tucker hit a game-winning field goal as time expired. Baltimore got the ball in a position to score that game-winning field goal after a Case Keenum fumble, but by all measures Keenum should not have been allowed to stay in the game.
Keenum was roughed up a few plays prior to the fumble, and it certainly appeared as though he had a concussion as he was barely able to stand after smacking his head off the turf. Noticing that Keenum was struggling to get to his feet after the hit, Rams backup Nick Foles gathered his helmet and appeared to be ready to come into the game as linemen helped Keenum to his feet. Nevertheless, nobody said anything and Keenum was allowed to stay in, fumbled two plays later, and the Rams ended up losing the game.
Plays like this certainly raise the question of how effective the NFL’s concussion protocol really is. Not a single person – whether it be a referee, a coach, medical personnel or concussion spotter – thought it might be a good idea to get that guy to sideline for at least a play or two? I know it was late in the game, but that’s a very bad look for the NFL.
