LaAdrian Waddle doesn't blame Lions for playing snap with concussion
Detroit Lions offensive tackle LaAdrian Waddle does not blame the team for the fact that he played a snap after sustaining a concussion, according to The Detroit Free Press.
Waddle hit his head on the turf during the team's game-winning extra point with 1:54 remaining in the game. After the Saints turned the ball over on downs, he returned to the field for the final snap as the Lions took a knee to seal the victory.
"I mean, I didn't talk to anybody until after the game, so what else are they supposed to do?" Waddle said. "They didn't know anything till after the game."
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The Lions released a statement Thursday saying they followed NFL concussion protocol and that Waddle did not report an injury to the medical staff until after the game. Waddle was then examined, at which point the team continued to follow proper protocol, the organization said.
Waddle said he didn't realize he had a concussion when it happened, which is why he didn't say anything at first.
"I mean, I was a little woozy, but I didn't really know what was happening," he said. "I didn't realize I had a concussion. I thought I was just maybe shook up a little bit. I thought I was good."
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The offensive tackle practiced for the first time this week on Friday and took reps with the first team, according to the Free Press. In order to play in Sunday's game against the Falcons in London, he still needs to completed parts of the concussion protocol.
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