NEW YORK — The NFL’s chief medical officer said more than a third of concussion evaluations this season are a result of players indicating they have symptoms, a much higher percentage than last season.
Allen Sills said Tuesday that “about 37 percent” of the 379 concussion evaluations during the preseason and regular season were “initiated by a self-report.” Sills said it was about 20 to 22 percent a year ago.
He called that increase “a positive development.”
Sills also said the rules for checking for a concussion were followed properly for Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett on Sunday, when he was allowed to return to a game after a hit to the head. After the game it was determined he did have concussion symptoms.
Sills said it’s impossible to “capture 100 percent of concussions.”
NFL VETERANS Drew Brees, Joe Thomas, Von Miller and Luke Kuechly are among the 32 nominees announced for the Art Rooney Sportsmanship One player from each team is nominated by current NFL players. The nominee from the New England Patriots is Matthew Slater.
PANTHERS: Offensive lineman Matt Kalil is facing criminal charges of selling alcohol to a minor at his Minnesota pizza restaurant, even though he wasn’t present when the transaction occurred.
A charging document said a 17-year-old server at Kalil’s Pieology Pizza in a Twin Cities suburb sold a beer to a 19-year-old woman Oct. 26. A police officer intervened and contacted the general manager. The former Minnesota lineman owns Pieology Pizza franchising rights in Minnesota.
• Rookie wide receiver Curtis Samuel will undergo season-ending surgery on his left ankle and be placed on injured reserve.
LIONS: Detroit signed defensive end George Johnson and receiver Jace Billingsley.
Detroit released defensive end Jacquies Smith and receiver Jared Abbrederis to bring back Johnson and Billingsley.
BENGALS: Cincinnati filled its need for a running back by signing Brian Hill off Atlanta’s practice squad.
Hill was a fifth-round pick from Wyoming. He started the season on Atlanta’s 53-man roster and played one game on special teams before he was waived and signed to the practice squad.
THE DAVE Matthews Band will perform in St. Paul, Minnesota, on the eve of the Super Bowl.
BROWNS: Linebacker Jamie Collins was placed on injured reserve after suffering a season-ending knee injury.
Collins tore the MCL in his right knee while returning an interception in the first quarter a loss Sunday to Detroit.
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