Josh Allen didn’t deliver his best performance during the Buffalo Bills' 23-20 loss to the Houston Texans in Week 5. In the fourth quarter, he appeared to suffer a head injury after being brought down following an incomplete pass on third-and-8. His head struck the ground forcefully, and he remained on the turf for some time before receiving medical attention. This prompted concerns about whether he should have been playing at all by the game’s end.

This brings up the hot topic issue of guardian caps. Notable players who opt to wear guardian caps during professional play are Josh Whyle of the Tennessee Titans and Kylen Granson of the Indianapolis Colts.

Here is your quick rundown on Guardian Caps:

Guardian Caps are protective headgear used in American football to reduce the risk of head injuries during practices and games. They are soft, padded covers that fit over traditional helmets, providing additional cushioning.

Here are some key points about Guardian Caps:

1. Purpose: They aim to decrease the impact forces experienced during hits, particularly in practices where contact is frequent.

2. Design: Made from a lightweight foam material, Guardian Caps absorb and disperse impact energy, making them an effective supplemental protective measure.

3. Usage: Many teams, from youth leagues to the NFL, have adopted Guardian Caps, especially during training sessions to enhance player safety.

4. Research: Studies have shown that using Guardian Caps can reduce the severity of impacts and potentially lower the risk of concussions.

5. Regulations: While they are not mandatory, some leagues encourage or require their use during specific practices.

The NFL routinely faces controversy in the way it cares for its players, especially when it comes to CTE and TBI. Should we be calling for the mandatory designation of guardian caps in games? And if not now, what are we really waiting for?