In a significant step towards improving player safety, the NFL has granted permission for players to wear padded Guardian Caps during games starting this upcoming season. The announcement was made during a recent health and safety webinar, where Dawn Aponte, the league's chief football administration officer, highlighted the option for players to utilize this protective equipment on the field.

The decision comes after several teams had already mandated the use of Guardian Caps during practices, including regular-season practices and postseason sessions, as revealed by Aponte. Last year, in a move to enhance safety during contact drills, the NFL mandated the usage of these padded shells during early training camp practices for all players except quarterbacks, kickers, and punters.

The Guardian Caps, which are helmet covers, are designed to absorb and distribute impact, significantly reducing the force of hits. According to the NFL, wearing a Guardian Cap can reduce the impact of a helmet hit by at least 10 percent, while collisions between players wearing the caps result in a 20 percent reduction in the force of impact.

The Los Angeles Rams were among the teams that continued using the caps during practice in the 2021 season, aiming to mitigate further injuries among their players. The decision came after quarterback Matthew Stafford injured his hand while hitting an uncapped helmet during a throw.

While the option to wear Guardian Caps during games is now available, it remains to be seen how many players will choose to utilize them. Some may refrain from wearing them to avoid standing out on the field, while others may prioritize safety over aesthetics.

During training camp in 2022, J.J. Watt expressed his discomfort with wearing the cap, likening it to feeling like a "bobblehead" that could potentially cause imbalance. However, Aponte mentioned that players and teams have generally been receptive to the change, indicating a positive response to the introduction of the padded shells.

In addition to the Guardian Caps, the NFL is encouraging players to use position-specific helmets based on individual risk factors for head injuries, further emphasizing their commitment to enhancing player safety.

As the NFL preseason and regular season approach, it will be intriguing to witness players' decisions regarding the usage of Guardian Caps during games. With the league's continued efforts to foster innovation in protective equipment, the aim remains to create a safer environment for all players on the field.