Players with padded sleeves on their helmets? This sight could become normal next season. So far, the safety measure has only been used in training. Now the NFL has also approved it for normal match operations

For NFL fans, there could be a visual change next season. As the league has now announced, the so-called “Guardian Caps” will also be permitted in regular match operations for the new season. These are padded covers that are put over the normal helmet.

Previously, these were only used in training sessions. In future, they could also be seen during games. The NFL wants to increase the safety of its players with this measure.

According to the league, concussions can be reduced by up to ten percent if a player involved in a collision wears such a cap. If both players wear the “Guardian Cap”, the risk of injury can even be reduced by up to 20 percent.

The approval is part of an equipment adjustment designed to reduce potential head injuries. It is the result of a conference held on April 9, 2024 between NFL Chief Medical Officer Dr. Allen Sills and a group of experts.

The caps have been in place since the 2022 season, when owners agreed that offensive and defensive linemen, tight ends and linebackers must wear the “Guardian Caps” during practice for the first part of training camp and through the third week of preseason.

“We have now extended the instruction to all players, with the option remaining for quarterbacks, kickers and punters. But there is also the option for a player to wear it in the game if they choose to,” said Dawn Aponte, the NFL’s Chief Administrator of Football Operations, during a health and safety webinar.

To reduce player risk and continue driving innovations in equipment technology, Guardian Caps have been authorized for in-game use this season.

Hear more from @NFL Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Allen Sills: https://t.co/PpqOBxEiHl pic.twitter.com/tXUlAaEDbR

– NFL Football Operations (@NFLFootballOps) April 26, 2024

The use during the game is therefore not mandatory. In addition to the Guardian Cap, further rule changes to protect players could follow in the future