The NFL's concussion protocols have evolved over the years, and the hit to Tua Tagovailoa on Thursday put the league's rules back in the spotlight.

The NFL did not start evaluating for concussions until 1994, according to PBS, when commissioner Paul Tagliabue appointed Dr. Elliot Pellman to chair the Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (MTBI) committee.

As the NFL heads into its sixth week, concerns around brain injuries are at a renewed high after a dramatic hit on quarterback Tua Tagovailoa prompted a change to the league's concussion protocol.

Why the NFL’s in-game concussion evaluation process is still not a perfect science; NFL reports lower-body injuries down, concussions up in 2023 season (Photo: Carmen Mandato / Getty Images) ...

NEW YORK — Reported concussions in the NFL have declined by 35% over a three-year period, according to the league’s 2015 Health and Safety report released Wednesday.

The NFL's concussion protocols have evolved over the years, and the hit to Tua Tagovailoa on Thursday put the league's rules back in the spotlight. USA TODAY Sports.

According to the NFL, an average of three to four evaluations have been performed for every instance of a diagnosed concussion since at least 2018. The belief is that number will rise.

NFL under fire over its concussion protocol following Tua Tagovailoa's back-to-back game hits. The league said it is exploring changes to its policy on head injuries.

The NFL had a total of 182 concussions during games and practices in both the preseason and regular season, representing a 17% drop from 2023.

NFL hosts Concussion Summit. New NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell calls the first league-wide Concussion Summit; attendees include the NFL’s own doctors as well as outside scientists.

According to data released by the NFL, there were 149 concussions during the 2022 regular season -- an increase of 18% from the 2021 season.

The NFL did not start evaluating for concussions until 1994, according to PBS, when commissioner Paul Tagliabue appointed Dr. Elliot Pellman to chair the Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (MTBI) committee.