Quinn admits to playing through concussion
Brady Quinn had waited three years for another chance to be a starting quarterback in the NFL. He wasn’t going to let a concussion put him back on the sideline.
That’s why the Chiefs quarterback admitted Wednesday to attempting to play through his second concussion of the season, which he believes happened when a defender’s knee struck the back of his helmet in a game against the Oakland Raiders on Oct. 28.
Quinn remembers having vision problems after the blow, but decided to remain in the game, even though he was dazed enough to put on the wrong helmet on the sideline between possessions.
He never saw the Raiders’ Rolando McClain while getting sacked later in the first quarter, perhaps augmenting the severity of the initial concussion, and recalled having “tunnel vision” and being unable to see the Oakland defensive backs when he threw an interception.
It was at that point Quinn was removed from the game.
“That’s why I tried to stay in the game, because it was the first opportunity for me in a while,” said Quinn, speaking for the first time since the injury. “I tried to play through it, and that’s my fault for not being smart about it.”
Quinn has already been ruled out for Kansas City’s game Monday night at Pittsburgh. It will be the second straight game he’s missed since becoming the starting quarterback.
The former first-round draft pick sustained his first concussion this year when he got hit while scrambling during a preseason game at Green Bay. Quinn said he blacked out for a few seconds after the blow, and then saw stars, but everything started to clear up after a few minutes.
The latest concussion seems to be lingering, Quinn said, giving him reason for concern.
“It’s definitely a thought,” he said, “because it is the second one this year, and if you come back too soon, before your symptoms calm down, it does involve some risk.”
Quinn said he’s being evaluated.
In the meantime, Matt Cassel will resume his job as the Chiefs’ quarterback.
Cassel has been the starter the past three seasons, but lost the job after sustaining his own concussion in a game against the Baltimore Ravens earlier this year.
Colts buzzing for Pagano
Nearly three dozen players on the Indianapolis Colts, including quarterback Andrew Luck, have shaved their heads in a show of support for head coach Chuck Pagano, who is undergoing treatment for a form of leukemia.
When Pagano showed up in the Colts’ locker room Sunday after their victory over Miami without his grayish hair or trademark goatee, player director of engagement David Thornton decided to bring in a barber following Tuesday’s practice.
The idea was an immediate hit – about two dozen players left the team headquarters Tuesday night with no hair. On Wednesday morning, more players joined the contingent, including Luck, the No. 1 overall draft pick and this week’s AFC offensive player of the week.
Quick kicks
Chicago CB Charles Tillman might miss Sunday’s game against Houston because of the pending birth of his daughter. She is due Monday. … Titans QB Matt Hasselbeck says he will appeal a $15,750 fine for a horse collar tackle in Tennessee’s 51-20 loss to Chicago. … Tennessee announced QB Jake Locker will start against Miami on Sunday barring any setbacks. … Philadelphia OT Todd Herremans was placed on the season-ending injured reserve list with an injured right foot. … Green Bay LB Nick Perry was placed on injured reserve with a wrist injury. … The NFL fined San Diego $20,000 because a member of the equipment staff failed to immediately surrender towels when ordered to do so by a game official against Denver on Oct. 15. The NFL also said in a statement that after investigating the Chargers’ use of towels that included an adhesive substance, it was determined that San Diego did not violate any rules.