Davante Adams Concussed in Packers' Loss
After suffering a concussion almost three months ago that caused him to be hospitalized overnight, Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams is looking down that same path.
Fortunately this time around, Adams wasn't strapped onto a gurney and carted into Lambeau Field's tunnels with the fear of a potential spinal injury. Adams, after being on his back for a few moments, was helped to the sideline by trainers and walked to the locker room under his own power.
It occurred in the third quarter of the Packers' loss to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday on a play where quarterback Aaron Rodgers overthrew receiver Randall Cobb, resulting in an interception for Panthers safety Colin Jones.
While Jones was returning the interception, Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis delivered an illegal helmet-to-helmet shot to Adams, who was up-ended and immediately taken out of the play.
"I think it was an unnecessary hit," said Rodgers after the game. "Unfortunately, if I throw a better ball, that situation doesn't happen, so I'm disappointed by that. He's a repeat offender, so I'm sure the league will deal with him according to that."
Davis is a past winner of the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, issued yearly by the NFL. However, that hasn't been evident this season. He was fined $48,620 in November for a hit on Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiver Adam Humphries. Being a repeat offender twice in under two months could be enough for the league to discipline Davis beyond the typical fine.
FOX's cameras showed Davis on the bench after the blow. His expression was laced with evident regret whenever his face wasn't buried in his palms.
"I was pretty ticked off at first when I saw the replay and how unnecessary it was," said Packers receiver Randall Cobb -- responsible for a team-high 84 receiving yards against the Panthers -- to The Charlotte Observer. "[Davante] was pretty mad he couldn't come back in the game. ... I'm just glad to see him walking."
The Charlotte Observer also confirmed that a league spokesman said the NFL is reviewing the hit to see about a possible one-game suspension for Davis.
For Adams, it's his third concussion in 14 months and his first since just Sept. 28 when Bears linebacker Danny Trevathan issued a similar helmet-to-helmet shot that resulted in a two-game suspension, though, he would later appeal it and have the suspension docked to just one game.
His first of the three concussions came last October in the loss to the Dallas Cowboys.
Adams was well on his way to earning a sizable contract this offseason, and he still is. With a touchdown reception on Sunday, that gave Adams the most receiving touchdowns in the league since the start of the 2016 season with 22, passing Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Antonio Brown (21).
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Zachary Jacobson is a staff writer/reporter for Cheesehead TV. He's the voice of The Leap on iTunes and can be heard on The Scoop KLGR 1490 AM every Saturday morning. He's also a contributor on the Pack-A-Day Podcast. He can be found on Twitter via @ZachAJacobson or contacted through email at [email protected].
Comments (39)
Bearmeat
December 17, 2017 at 05:51 pm
I feel sick to my stomach for Davante. He deserves every bit of that major money WR1 contract he's due. Unfortunately, his 3rd concussion WILL make teams wary (including the Packers), and this will cost him millions of guaranteed money.
jeremyjjbrown
December 17, 2017 at 06:16 pm
Yep, and seeing Davis Sr on the field after made me want to vomit. I wrote the NFL and told them I'll be watching a lot less until this changes. Basically, I'll watch the Packers and the SuperBowl, until this changes. Money and ratings are the only thing Roger understands.
Point-Packer
December 17, 2017 at 10:01 pm
The NFL is ridiculous. How one doesn't get thrown out after a BS shot like that is just amazing. Simply amazing.
dobber
December 18, 2017 at 09:59 am
Hits like that don't happen by accident. He saw the player, he knew the play was upfield and his target wasn't likely to be looking his way, he lined him up, and he intentionally went high. This wasn't one of those plays where a player was going to the ground and the helmet-to-helment impact was dictated by another player tackling his target.
These players know that those kinds of blindside blocks are taboo, now, and no matter how good a guy Davis happens to be, he wasn't on that play. I don't care if he felt remorse after the play...the guy he hit is still hurt.
Big_Mel_75
December 18, 2017 at 11:10 am
If memory serves me well I thought he left his feet when he made the hit even adds to the fact that he targeted our best WR to injure him. Should have been ejected and I say suspend him for the playoffs.
Finwiz
December 18, 2017 at 02:53 pm
I just heard on the radio he has been suspended for TWO games.
I also heard he was the guy that hit Terrence Murphy, Packer receiver drafted in 2005, and ended his career. This clown has been around the league that long? That happened in '05.
HankScorpio
December 18, 2017 at 04:12 pm
Trevathan got 2 games, as well. On appeal, the NFL decided that was too much protecting of defenseless players vs head hunters leading with their helmet. They reduced it to one game. We'll see if they do the same again.
Until the NFL makes it very clear that defenders need to keep their eyes up and see what they hit, nothing is going to change.
GBPDAN1
December 18, 2017 at 04:00 pm
Davis got 2 games suspension
dobber
December 18, 2017 at 04:39 pm
which means it will be a 1-game suspension on appeal.
TKWorldWide
December 18, 2017 at 08:36 pm
My thought exactly.
GBPDAN1
December 18, 2017 at 04:00 pm
Davis got 2 games suspension
Hertel
December 17, 2017 at 07:06 pm
Adams is good but is he worth 14 Million plus. You got to have some injury insurance. He lacks game breaking speed so he can be covered so you better get a good supporting cast or you are looking at Geronimo, Clark, Davis. Janis is done at WR. TE hurts as well. Packers could go cheap and let Adams walk cut Cobb and Nelson. Ouch but Ted has done it before see our defense. It has been years but this off season is going to be the most important for this franchise going forward.
stockholder
December 17, 2017 at 07:27 pm
No to 14 mil. Keep Cobb/Nelson. No to Geronimo,Clark, Kendrick, and Janis. Much rather have Richard Rodgers, Linsey and I still see something happening with Davis, maybe burnett. Players must hang onto the Ball!!!!
Handsback
December 17, 2017 at 08:20 pm
Green Bay needs all the playmakers they can get so I expect Cobb and Nelson to return. Adams will be paid handsomely but the defense is void of depth. So expect TT to sign another TE, CB, and OLB in FA.
Or maybe a better draft so they can get some depth.
NickPerry
December 18, 2017 at 05:44 am
"So expect TT to sign another TE, CB, and OLB in FA."
WHAT?? I wouldn't "Expect" anything from Thompson in Free Agency even though he took a few LIGHT swings at it this year. A.J. Boyue changed teams this past year, so did Stephen Gilmore. Malcolm Butler could have been had for a draft pick instead of drafting a guy who had a HISTORY of bad shoulders.
Teds idea of building depth is trading back to acquire more 6th and 7th round picks which he ends up cutting anyways. The Packers haven't found another Tramon Williams or Sam Shields in years. It seems all the other teams are finding the UDFA gems now. Janis is about the only 7th round pick I can recall who's stuck around. Personally I think all the Packers excellent drafts started to go the moment Schneider, then Dorsey, and finally McKinzie left. Ted just scouts and drafts from the West Coast it seems. God forbid he looks outside the weak ass Pac 12 for a #1 draft pick.
Several years ago Atlanta made a play for Julio Jones and moved up. I'm not suggesting to give away the future for one player. But hey, lets try moving UP to acquire a player who will start and make an impact from day one.
stockholder
December 18, 2017 at 07:14 am
I don't believe TT signs anyone. The TEs were suppose to bring something special to this club. They Failed. I believe he goes right back and does what he did for the rb position last year. He will draft the TE's in the 5th round on. (And didn't we want him to draft Jake Butts.?) TT still refuses to take the gamble on players that became injured. He'd much rather draft a player that tested positive. TED should have gambled with his late picks! So I don't believe he will draft any TE early. Look for TT to sign what he has. Ted is going on a whim these last few years. Cutting Sitton, a punter, and a holder before the season started, is just crazy. (What PLan?) Not to mention the draft and develop on a LS, or Guard, (before you let Lang go.) I understand House, but why are these picks failing. And why can't the CBs stay on the field. I somehow hope he starts drafting players from the jolly Green Giant college. Size matters. It's time TT trades up for lightning and size. I want them to go to Philly's 9 man front. This will require taller DEs. And one speedy as Hell MLB. (Yes Martinez did well.) But the D-ends must be drafted and not be switched to OLB. The NFL is pass first now. TT has invested to much time in the 3-4-4. Capers failed him and MM. The new defense is the 9 man front. TT must change or get out.
dobber
December 18, 2017 at 09:04 am
"Personally I think all the Packers excellent drafts started to go the moment Schneider, then Dorsey, and finally McKinzie left."
...and, yet, everyone seems to want Wolf or Gutekunst--the guys who are feeding him information and consulting with him on personnel--to succeed him as GM. Isn't there a bit of inconsistency in that argument?
"Ted just scouts and drafts from the West Coast it seems."
Actually, there are as many former Big Ten players on the roster as there are Pac 12.
HankScorpio
December 18, 2017 at 09:30 am
I have no doubt that the loss of 3 top assistants to GM jobs elsewhere in such short proximity had an effect on the Packers operations.
The issue at hand is whether they have re-tooled the operation into one lthat is an effective as before. Personally, I think they have. So while I don't really have a problem with Wolf/Gutekunst/Highsmith being promoted, I don't have much of one with TT, either. The people that hate what TT has done might not be getting what they want if the top man is removed and everything else remains largely in place. There might be a tweak here or there but it will likely be most of the same guys reporting to the new guy as with TT so I doubt there would be a huge change
al bundy
December 17, 2017 at 08:23 pm
Hell get the money, capers will be back and nothing is changing. Ted will scur the cheap players to give the farm to rogers
Bearmeat
December 17, 2017 at 09:16 pm
I hate that you may very well be right.
TKWorldWide
December 17, 2017 at 09:43 pm
Every team that has a non-rookie contract franchise QB faces the same dilemma. If a team has someone making 20 plus, they damn sure are going to have some late round draft picks and UDFA’s. Just salary cap reality.
GBPDAN1
December 18, 2017 at 06:08 am
That hit was obviously intentional and brutal. He knew he had a cheap shot on Adams, and he took it with full spearing. Hope he gets a game suspension and I hope Adams isn't affected long term ( more susceptible to concussion in the feature)
That was a frustrating game. 4 turnovers on the road, 4 encroachment penalties and we were still in the game with 2min left. I was a little disappointed with Rodgers, as it's been forever since he throw 3 picks, especially in the 'right to the defender' manner. But, I now give him a big pass. He was battling after a long rehab stint from a significant injury.
Losing Adams for most of the 2nd half ( and Perry) was hard to over come. Anyways, it was fun watching the first half, and some of the 2nd. I feel strongly that we had overtime coming had Allison not fumbled.
So,do we start Rodgers next week if Atlanta wins tomorrow night? We would be mathematical eliminated if so. But, it would be nice to beat the ViQueenss next week!
Razer
December 18, 2017 at 07:54 am
Good points GBPDAN.
Yes we start Rodgers and we beat Minnesota - badly. This Packers team needs to keep winning to keep the culture of winning front and center for all the young guys playing. Mailing it in sends the wrong message. Plus hanging 40 on the Vikings would be like a nice steak - medium rare
GBPDAN1
December 18, 2017 at 08:23 am
I agree, Razer. Beating the Vikings at home would be sweet. And would be a bright spot to this rollercoaster season. Hope we beat Detroit, too
dobber
December 18, 2017 at 08:58 am
Rodgers needs to keep playing assuming there are no setbacks or other injuries.
What message do you send to the rest of the roster if you sit him down as soon as the playoffs are out of reach, even though he's played a game and is actually MORE healthy for the next game than the previous one?
croatpackfan
December 18, 2017 at 06:09 am
One thing gives me little joy - Rams crashed low Seattle to the underground - 42-7!
Razer
December 18, 2017 at 07:39 am
Joy to my heart.
Razer
December 18, 2017 at 07:48 am
This type of hit needs more than a game. Davis's hit, with a head target could have ended Davante's career. It is also an intentional act, aimed at injuring a player. If the league wants to stop the negative momentum of CTE and keep its stars in the game, then they need to make the hitter and team pay a significant price. A game suspension is a start but not enough. Davis should have been taken out of the game and given a 1 game suspension. Next time he needs a 4 game suspension then out of the league. Guys like Cincy's Burfict would be flipping burgers by now. Team needs to have a roster spot reduction to match
dobber
December 18, 2017 at 08:56 am
Burfict got his...Smith-Schuster laid him out big-time. But "an-eye-for-an-eye" isn't the way it should be handled, I agree.
egbertsouse
December 18, 2017 at 09:21 am
I guess that I'm the only one that doesn't think that Davis was targeting. It was an illegal block and he should have backed off but he didn't go for the head. The head contact was on the side of Davis' helmet, not the crown. it seemed incidental.
I may set the record for dislikes on this one.
TXCHEESE
December 18, 2017 at 10:07 am
BS!!!!!!
HankScorpio
December 18, 2017 at 10:44 am
Thomas Davis agrees with you. And probably a good number of others, too.
OTOH, I think a player that is looking straight down when making contact is making what I call a dirty play. There is one reason to take your eyes off the person you are trying to hit---so you can hit with the helmet. The reason to do that is to inflict maximum pain, or better yet some real damage. There is no other intent that makes sense. That eyes-down approach certainly isn't about football. On what planet are you taught to look away just before contact?
Whether players that do that want to admit it or not is another thing. There is a mentality in the league that equates pain/damage with good defense. It's been around forever and sometimes nostalgically called "old school football". Until that mentality is broken, Davis, you and others will think that it is just part of the game. Given that Davis played on, it seems like the league at least has sympathy for your point of view.
Johnblood27
December 18, 2017 at 09:03 pm
I get the first thumbs down for you.
Jagoff.
Did your service dog write that comment for you?
TXCHEESE
December 18, 2017 at 10:06 am
I hate to say this, but it would warm my heart if someone took Davis off at the knees, or he broke his friggin neck the next time he leads with his head. SOB sat over there with his head in his hands, but only for the cameras to show that he was remorseful for his effing cheap shot. This should be a 2 game suspension minimum. Not saying we would have won with Adams in the game, but we would have had a far better chance. I pray that Davante is able to heal completely, and have a long career.
WinUSA
December 18, 2017 at 11:50 am
I stand on my post from a week ago!
WinUSA
December 18, 2017 at 12:00 pm
Shades of Warren Sapp's hit on Chad Clifton during an interception. This hit was eerily similar. The league has to get tough on this type of crap blindside hits. And, players have to be aware at all time during an interception that their is always a cheap shot artist just ready to take their heads off!!!!!!!!! I sure hope that Adams recovers and leads a healthy life after his 3rd concussion.
Razer
December 18, 2017 at 12:38 pm
I still burn when I think of the Sapp hit. Clifton was such a pro and Sapp such an arsehole. Sapp never did pay the price. Clifton lost a year.
NMPF
December 18, 2017 at 01:20 pm
The only way the NFL can come close to cleaning this up is AN EYE FOR AN EYE. If an illegal (flagged) hit causes a player to leave the game for any amount of time whether it is 5 plays or 5 weeks the offending player gets the same time off.
Johnblood27
December 18, 2017 at 09:00 pm
http://www.apnewsarchive.com/2017/The-NFL-has-suspended-Panthers-linebac...
Read the last line.
"Panthers coach Ron Rivera said he didn't believe the hit was intentional."
Ron Rivera is a complete TOOL!