Guardian Caps Make Debut in Preseason Game, Colts Star Taylor Among Wearers

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor and select teammates donned Guardian Caps during Sunday's preseason game against the Denver Broncos, marking the first time the protective headgear was worn in a competitive NFL setting.

As the NFL continues its pursuit of enhancing player safety, the Guardian Cap made its highly anticipated debut in a preseason game on Sunday between the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos. Colts running back Jonathan Taylor, along with Zavier Scott, Kylen Granson, Rodney Thomas II, and Grant Stuard, opted to wear the protective headgear during the contest.

The Guardian Cap is designed to be worn around the helmet, providing an additional layer of protection against head injuries. Its introduction in the NFL comes after two years of data collected during practices, which indicated a significant reduction in concussions among players who wore the caps.

Guardian Caps Make Debut in Preseason Game, Colts Star Taylor Among Wearers

In April, NFL executive Jeff Miller, the EVP overseeing player health and safety, announced that players would be allowed to wear the Guardian Caps during regular-season games. The development marked a significant step in the league's efforts to enhance player safety.

"We now have two years of data showing significant concussion reductions among players who wear Guardian Caps during practice so players will be permitted to wear the cap during games this upcoming season," Miller said in a statement.

Guardian Caps Make Debut in Preseason Game, Colts Star Taylor Among Wearers

During the 2022 season, the Guardian Caps were introduced during training camp and made mandatory at preseason practices in 2023. They are also required at any regular-season or playoff practice that involves contact. However, quarterbacks, wide receivers, defensive backs, kickers, and punters are not obligated to wear the protection.

Scott, who wore the cap during Sunday's game, explained his reasons for doing so.

Guardian Caps Make Debut in Preseason Game, Colts Star Taylor Among Wearers

"Our [medical and equipment] guys here do a great job of keeping us informed," Scott said. "They’ve done the testing, and I don’t know the numbers, but they say it [offers] a significant reduction in concussions."

The Guardian Caps have generated mixed reactions within the NFL community. Some players and coaches have expressed support for the protection, citing its potential to reduce head injuries. However, others have questioned its effectiveness and practicality.

Despite the varying opinions, the NFL remains committed to exploring all available options to improve player safety. The Guardian Cap represents one such measure, and its use in Sunday's preseason game marked a notable milestone in the league's ongoing efforts to protect its players.

The game itself ended with the Broncos emerging victorious by a 34-30 margin. Nonetheless, the Colts' decision to wear the Guardian Caps drew significant attention and underscored the importance of player safety in the NFL.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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