Jonathan Taylor, star running back for the Indianapolis Colts, was one of the players who wore Guardian caps during his team’s preseason game against the Denver Broncos.
The Guardian Cap is a protective headgear worn around the helmet to prevent head injuries. Taylor, Zavier Scott, Kylen Granson, Rodney Thomas II and Grant Stuard chose to wear it in Sunday’s game, months after the NFL allowed players to wear them in regular-season games if they so choose.
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Jonathan Taylor of the Indianapolis Colts warms up before a preseason game against the Denver Broncos at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on August 11, 2024. (Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
“We now have two years of data showing a significant reduction in the number of concussions among players wearing Guardian Caps during practice, so players will be permitted to wear the cap during games next season,” NFL executive director Jeff Miller, who serves as EVP of player health and safety, said in a statement in April.
“In addition, there are new helmets this year that offer as much – if not more – protection than another helmet model combined with a Guardian Cap. These developments represent a significant step forward in our efforts to make the game safer for players.”
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Anthony Richardson (left) of the Indianapolis Colts hands the ball to Jonathan Taylor during the first half of their preseason game against the Denver Broncos at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on August 11, 2024. (Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
The Guardian Caps were introduced in training camp prior to the start of the 2022 season. They were made mandatory at preseason practices in 2023 and at all regular season or playoff practices where physical contact occurred.
Only quarterbacks, wide receivers, defensive backs, kickers and punters are not required to wear the protection.
Scott told the Indy Star why he decided to wear the hat.
“Our (medical and technical) people here are doing a great job keeping us informed,” Scott said. “They’ve done the testing, and I don’t know the numbers, but they say it’s leading to a significant reduction in concussions.”
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Laquon Treadwell (7) and running back Zavier Scott (34) celebrate a touchdown during the second half of the preseason game against the Denver Broncos at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on August 11, 2024. (Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images)
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Denver won the game 34-30.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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