NFL players suffered the fewest concussions during training camp since the league began keeping statistics since 2015.
There were 44 concussions during practices and preseason games, a decrease of about 24% from 2023.
The league said the decline is attributable to rule changes, new equipment like the Guardian helmet shell, and other efforts made over the years to reduce the number of concussions.
The changed rules on kickoffs led to a drop in injuries overall, although some concussions did occur on those plays. The league even admitted it saw a higher number of concussions on dynamic new kickers in camp, but none in the first three weeks of the season.
Nearly 99% of players wore high-performance helmets, including more than 250 players who wore helmets that the NFL says provide as much or more protection than helmets equipped with the Guardian shell.
There was a reduction in cases of concussions of almost 50% among players wearing the Guardian shell when it was mandatory at camp compared to the average of sessions during which it was not.