NFL says 281 concussions reported in 2017, highest-ever total for league
The NFL released its most recent injury data compiled and analyzed by IQVIA on Friday, and the number of reported concussions has increased over the 2017 season.
The data revealed 281 concussions reported, an increase of 38 from the previous year and the highest total since the league began releasing such data in 2012.
The major increase came in practices, with 45 sustained in preseason and 11 during the regular season. These figures are not shocking considering there is more contact during preseason practices, but both totals are the most ever seen by the league.
| Year | Practice | Game | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 45 | 216 | 261 |
| 2013 | 43 | 186 | 229 |
| 2014 | 50 | 156 | 206 |
| 2015 | 38 | 237 | 275 |
| 2016 | 32 | 211 | 243 |
| 2017 | 56 | 225 | 281 |
"Certainly we're disappointed that the concussion numbers are up," NFL Chief Doctor Allen Sills said during a conference call, as per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. "We take this as a challenge, because we're not going to be satisfied until we drive that number much lower."
The report does not necessarily signal an increase in the amount of concussions, but rather an increase in ones that were reported. This could prove the NFL's investment into third-party injury studies as a worthy one.