Probe of Addae concussion focuses on spotter

The Chargers say Jahleel Addae was issued multiple concussion tests on the sidelines. (USATSI)

The review into the troubling mishandling of Chargers defensive back Jahleel Addae's concussion during a Thursday night game at Denver is ongoing, with both the NFL and NFLPA taking part, sources said. Concluding interviews are being conducted with both the Chargers' medical personnel as well as the pressbox spotter on the scene that night to identify specifically these situations.

There were no issues determined with the protocol on the sidelines in assessing Addae's injury, according to both NFL and NFLPA sources, and doctors appear to have operated as they should have.

However, sources said the interview with the pressbox spotter created several instances that gave the reviewing personnel pause. At this point, the NFLPA has not formally requested that the spotter -- who is hired jointly by the league and its union -- be removed and replaced, but that's likely going to be the end result of the matter as the sides continue to gather information.

Addae was clearly disoriented, vulnerable and lacking his faculties after a second blow to the head and neck area in that game, appearing to have seizure-like symptoms at one point while still on the field. He was able to head to the sidelines relatively normally, however, where he was assessed by doctors.

Addae did not practice the week following the trauma and the Chargers are on a bye this week. He has gradually felt better and a source with knowledge of the situation said that barring an unforeseen setback, it seemed likely Addae would return to practice Wednesday in some capacity.

The incident occurred during a highly rated, nationally televised broadcast and was captured by cameras, drawing heightened awareness. The Chargers have steadfastly maintained that Addae was issued multiple concussion tests on the sidelines and was evaluated after the game as well, with his first blow causing only a stinger.

Addae did not exhibit outward concussion symptoms until Friday, the day after the game. That's when he began experiencing headaches, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

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TNF injury report: Browns WR Andrew Hawkins inactive; Bengals RB Giovani Bernard out, as expected



A small surprise on the injury report heading into tonight's game between the Browns and Bengals. Browns wide receiver Andrew Hawkins is inactive due to a knee/thigh injury that kept him sidelined in practice until he got a limited session in on Wednesday. Despite that activity, he won't suit up tonight. Taylor Gabriel and Miles Austin are expected to start out wide for Cleveland.Tight end Jordan Cameron remains out due to a concussion. Gary Barnidge and Jim Dray will continue to fill in for him and barely show up in the box score.For the Bengals, running back Giovani Bernard is officially out due to a hip pointer, but he's also been dealing with rib and shoulder soreness. He didn't play in Week 9, so rookie Jeremy Hill was called upon. He ran the ball 24 times for 154 yards against the Jaguars despite missing a couple of series due to a knee injury.



Look for a lot more of Hill tonight. The Browns have allowed the second-most rushing yards per game and a robust 4.8 yards per carry. The big back from LSU feels like a lock for double-digit points in all formats tonight.I don't want any part of Austin or Gabriel. The Bengals have allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points per game to wide receivers. Gabriel is the "better" option because of his speed, but that's a pure shot in the dark.