With stuff like concussions I think you really have to rely more on the player to some extent to say I'm healthy or no I'm not. Harder to test and get an idea. You can X-ray a shoulder or do strength tests to see how it's doing, can't do that with concussions. If I recall Staal thought he was ok and was trying to return and train and it took awhile to realize things weren't right
The team is not struggling so bad that they have to have him back right away, I think they'll be fine with making the right decision about whether he's ready and healthy.
I am just commenting further as a generalization:
Concussions are all protocol and baseline testing. If a player can pass the baseline tests (they establish individual baselines for every player prior to the season) and the basic/comprehensive protocols were followed, what else can they do?
I suppose they can sit him down extra time as a precaution. However, all the rules and procedures are put in place and have to be followed in an orderly fashion. If they're followed and passed, I would think the Dr. would have to green light the player. They can play with the time between tests and such and drag it out a little more.
That said the brain isn't a joint or a bone, by and large the medical community knows jack squat about the brain and the repercussions of repetitive brain injury, other than they're harmful.
It's way more complicated then rushing the player back. I don't think they can really do that any longer with regards to brain injuries. I suppose a smart player can fake it and pass their baseline test but that's not the team rushing him back per se.
