Colts' Jonathan Taylor and Teammates Wear Guardian Caps in Preseason Game
- Five Indianapolis Colts players wore Guardian Caps during a preseason game.
- Jonathan Taylor, the running back, was among the Colts players wearing the protective gear.
- The use of Guardian Caps aims to enhance player safety during the game.
Indianapolis Colts star running back Jonathan Taylor was seen wearing a Guardian Cap during the team's preseason matchup against the Denver Broncos. This protective headgear, designed to fit over helmets, aims to reduce the risk of head injuries. Taylor, along with teammates Zavier Scott, Kylen Granson, Rodney Thomas II, and Grant Stuard, opted for the caps in a game that marked a significant step in the NFL's ongoing efforts to enhance player safety. The NFL recently approved the use of Guardian Caps in regular-season games, following two years of data indicating a notable decrease in concussions among players who wore them during practice. Jeff Miller, the NFL's executive vice president overseeing player health and safety, highlighted the importance of these developments, stating that new helmet designs also offer improved protection. "These developments represent substantial progress in our efforts to make the game safer for players," Miller noted in an April statement. Introduced during training camp in 2022, Guardian Caps became mandatory for preseason practices in 2023, as well as for any contact practices during the regular season or playoffs. However, certain positions, including quarterbacks and kickers, are exempt from this requirement. Scott expressed confidence in the cap's effectiveness, citing the team's medical staff's thorough testing and the significant reduction in concussion risk associated with its use. In the game, the Denver Broncos emerged victorious, defeating the Colts 34-30. The Associated Press contributed to this report, which underscores the NFL's commitment to player safety amid ongoing concerns about head injuries in football.