Jaguars' Bernard Pierce Inexplicably Decides to Block on Buccaneers Punt Return

Nobody had any idea what was going on with this play when it happened, and after the game, not even the player himself was able to explain his actions.

During the second quarter of Sunday's game, Bobby Rainey of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers gave his team great field position with a 58-yard punt return. Part of the reason he was able to pick up so many yards was that an opponent inexplicably decided he'd rather block than tackle.

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Bernard Pierce can be seen blocking on the punt return. That's right—a Jaguars player was blocking for a Buccaneers returner.

Confused? You should be.

Rainey was about 25 yards into his return when Pierce decided he wanted nothing to do with tackling the ball-carrier. That's when he turned around and provided a block.

Yeah, the coaching staff isn't going to like seeing that on film.

The Buccaneers turned the great field position into seven points a few plays later, taking a 13-7 lead midway through the second quarter.

After the game, a 38-31 Jaguars loss, the veteran running back was unable to explain what he was doing on the play.

"I don't know," Pierce said, per Mike DiRocco of ESPN.com. "I really don't have an answer for you. I can't really explain it."

There must be something in the water in Florida. The Florida Gators have had a few embarrassing blocking moments (here and here) as well.

Update: Tuesday, Oct. 13

Pierce's mistake has since been linked to a possible concussion, per Jaguars coach Gus Bradley, who told reporters Monday that the running back is undergoing concussion protocol.

Here's the full exchange, via Sporting News:

"

Reporter: The Pierce play. How bad is that?

Bradley: It is. It’s not a good play at all. When I saw it I couldn’t believe it, but I know he’s in the concussion protocol. I know after the game he had concussion symptoms. That’s where I’ll leave it at that, the play itself if you watched it.

Reporter: Did he have a concussion before that play?

Bradley: I don’t know. I imagine so. ... Yeah, I’m sure, I mean he’s in the concussion protocol. It’s just unfortunate that he had those symptoms and that play happened.

The reporter then asked if a sideline doctor looked at him to diagnose a concussion during the game.

Bradley: I don't know when it occurred, how it occurred. I just know he had a concussion.

"

[Twitter, h/t SB Nation]