Was Justin Fields allowed to play with a concussion?

Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields has encountered struggles in the team's first couple of games. However, in the last game, a concerning incident unfolded.

During a play in the fourth quarter of the Bears' game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Fields appeared disoriented after receiving a hard hit. As Fields walked toward the huddle, he moved cautiously and even stumbled slightly before teammate DJ Moore steadied him.

Moore gestured for Fields to head to the sideline for evaluation due to a potential head injury. Despite being down 41-0 with less than five minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, the Bears allowed Fields to return to the game.

This decision raises doubts, especially considering a similar incident involving Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa just one season ago when he was permitted to return to a game after displaying concussion symptoms.

“He was cleared, right,” Bears coach Matt Eberflus said Sunday after the 41-10 loss at Arrowhead Stadium. “He came out. We were going for it on fourth down there, but he came out so I decided to kick the field goal, right? And then he was cleared and he was ready to go."

The NFL revised its concussion protocol in 2018, but it still appears to be somewhat ambiguous. It's disconcerting when a player exhibits signs of a concussion yet is allowed to reenter the game.

This situation could potentially be addressed by having a medical professional speak to the media after the game to provide an explanation of the incident or by implementing a written component where referees can detail their thought process when allowing a player like Fields to return to the game.

Such measures would not only enhance fans' comprehension of the league's protocols but also convey the league's commitment to player safety.

There is no official report indicating that Fields suffered a concussion, but it will be interesting to observe whether he participates in full practice this week.

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