No, but as of now that will be an irrelevant game. The Cards are likely to win the NFC West and unless something crazy happens, they’re not getting a 1st round bye even with a win over Green Bay. The Pack might need the game more to lock up a wildcard.
Things could change if the Cards lose some games and SF wins a few. GB, SF, and AZ could all be fighting for playoff berths that last week of the season.
NFL players are clearly not capable of properly assessing their own health, at least with regard to concussions. I like the new rules.
According to Dale Lolley’s blog this was released from the Associated Press today:
“NFL teams now have new, stricter instructions for when players should be allowed to return to games or practices after head injuries, guidelines that go into effect this week.
In the latest step by the league to address a hot-button issue, commissioner Roger Goodell sent a memo to the 32 clubs Wednesday saying a player who gets a concussion should not return to action on the same day if he shows certain signs or symptoms.
Those include an inability to remember assignments or plays, a gap in memory, persistent dizziness, and persistent headaches.
The old standard, established in 2007, said a player should not be allowed to return to the same game if he lost consciousness.
Wednesday’s memo also says players “are to be encouraged to be candid with team medical staffs and fully disclose any signs or symptoms that may be associated with a concussion.”
Nearly one-fifth of 160 NFL players surveyed by The Associated Press from Nov. 2-15 replied that they have hidden or played down the effects of a concussion.”