Impact of Concussions on the Performance of Running Backs and Wide Receivers in the NFL

Abstract

Concussion injuries are common in professional football players; however, their impact on player performance remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to quantify the effect of concussions on the performance of running backs and wide receivers in professional football players. Concussion data from the National Football League was collected for a period of 4 seasons (2012-2015) for running backs and wide receivers. Age, experience, position, time to return to play, yearly total yards and touchdowns were recorded. A power rating (total yards divided by 10 plus touchdowns multiplied by 6) was calculated for each player’s injury season as well as for the 3 seasons before and after their respective injury. A control group of running backs and wide receivers without an identified concussion injury who competed in the 2012 season was assembled for comparison. Player performance up to 3 seasons before and after the injury season were examined in order to assess acute and longitudinal changes in player performance. A total of 38 eligible running backs and wide receivers sustained a concussion during the study period. Thirty-four (89%) players were able to return to competition in the same season, missing an average of 1.5 ± 0.9 games. Power ratings for concussed players were similar to controls throughout the study period. Concussed players did not suffer an individual performance decline upon returning within the same season. Furthermore, no significant difference in change of power rating was observed in concussed players in the acute (± 1 year from injury; -1.2 ± 4.8 vs. -1.1 ± 3.9, P = .199) or chronic setting (± 3 years from injury; -3.6 ± 8.0 vs. -3.03 ± 4.5, P = .219) compared to controls. A high rate of National Football League running backs and wide receivers are able to return to play following a concussion injury. These players were found to perform at a similar level both acutely and long-term post-concussion.