Proceeding with caution
Darren Sproles, who missed all but the opening kickoff of last Sunday's game against the Bears after suffering a concussion, is healthy and expected to return kicks Sunday night against the Patriots.
That he didn't return to last Sunday's game, San Diego Norv Turner said, speaks to the new system the NFL has in place to make sure players who suffer concussions are fully healthy before they're allowed back on the field.
"The system is working because if it was up to Darren Sproles, he would’ve gone back in the game in the mid third quarter or early fourth," Turner said. “Our doctors and our trainers didn’t feel he was ready to go. He felt he was. But until they give him clearance, he couldn’t go.
"I think the system and the way they adjusted it and the things they are doing to ensure we don’t put a guy back on the field that’s not ready to go, they’re being very, very conservative, which is different from the past, and I think it’s a plus for the players.”