Running back Darren Sproles left Sunday’s game in the second quarter after suffering a concussion on a helmet-to-helmet hit by Raiders linebacker Rolando McClain after a catch over the middle. There was no penalty called and, by rule, none should have been.
“You can’t hit helmet-to-helmet on a defenseless player,” referee John Parry said after the game. “He was not considered defenseless. He was considered a runner because the act of possession was complete, the minimum three steps were taken, so he was now deemed to be a runner.”
Turner said Sproles appeared to be OK after the game.
Having only seen the play live, Turner agreed with the call but did express some of the same confusion over the interpretation of what has been the league’s hot-button issue this year.
“He didn’t appear to be defenseless,” Turner said. “Now, the helmet-to-helmet, I don’t think anyone knows anymore what is or isn’t.”
