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By Noah Camras
Contributing Sports Writer
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NFL joint practices are officially underway, and it hasn't taken long for the action to commence.
The New York Giants and Detroit Lions are participating in a joint practice on Monday, and tensions have already flared on numerous occasions.
Read more: Giants, Lions Joint Practice Erupts Into Multiple Brawls
Read More on NFL
There was not one but two fights in the Giants/Lions joint practice on Monday as the teams engaged in full-contact play against each other. While the full contact led to a few scuffles, it also led to some injury concerns.
During the Giants' offensive sets in a scrimmage, New York ran a pitch play in which Giants left tackle Andrew Thomas got out to block. Thomas placed a big block on Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold, which was captured by Fox Sports' Ralph Vacchiano.
While Arnold was initially able to stay up, a few minutes later, he went to the locker room. Vacchiano then reported that Arnold was being evaluated for a concussion as a result of the big hit from Thomas.
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Joint practices bring a higher risk of injury as teams aren't going easy on the opposition. However, it's important to note that Arnold was wearing one of the new Guardian Caps, which are supposed to enhance the player's protection against head injuries. NFL executive vice president Jeff Miller said earlier this year that Guardian Caps have contributed to a nearly 50 percent reduction in concussions, per ESPN. Players will be allowed to wear Guardian Caps during the regular season.
"We now have two years of data showing significant concussion reductions among players who wear Guardian Caps during practice, so players will be permitted to wear the cap during games this upcoming season," Miller said in a statement to ESPN. "Additionally, there are new helmets this year that provide as much — if not more — protection than a different helmet model paired with a Guardian Cap. These developments represent substantial progress in our efforts to make the game safer for players."
It remains to be seen if the Guardian Cap protected Arnold during this big hit, but the team should provide updates on him soon.
The Lions drafted Arnold with the No. 24 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft after trading up with the Dallas Cowboys. The Lions gave up the No. 29 pick and a third-round pick to move up and select Arnold.
Arnold spent the last three years at Alabama and recorded five interceptions and 12 passes defended in 2023.
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