Texans Won't Face Discipline for Handling of Tom Savage's Concussion vs. 49ers

While the NFL is learning lessons from the Houston Texans' poor handling of quarterback Tom Savage after a concussion, the team will not be disciplined, according to Kevin Patra of NFL.com.

"They followed the protocol as it existed then. So they were not [penalized]," NFL Chief Medical Officer Dr. Allen Sills said of the Texans. "Now, we've gone back and done some things, made these changes. The outcome was unacceptable. So, while they followed the protocol, the outcome was unacceptable and we have to make sure it doesn't happen again."

During the team's Week 14 game against the San Francisco 49ers, Savage suffered a hard hit and was seen shaking on the ground immediately afterward. Despite the apparent red flags, he returned to the field on the next possession.

The quarterback later underwent further evaluation and was ruled out for the rest of the game. He was placed on injured reserve last Saturday.

Head coach Bill O'Brien defended his decision to keep Savage on the field based on the doctor's recommendation. O'Brien noted he was unable to see video of the quarterback's seizure, during which he displayed the symptomatic fencing motion.

"With benefit of the video, which I do not have benefit of any video ... obviously from my standpoint, the care for the player—I would have never let that player back into the game and I don't believe [trainer] Geoff Kaplan would have let that player back in the game," O'Brien said following the game, via Brian T. Smith of the Houston Chronicle.

While the NFL didn't feel the Texans broke any rules, the Seahawks were recently fined $100,000 for violating the concussion procedure with Russell Wilson.

The league has since updated its rules for evaluating concussions, including the addition of an "unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant" stationed at the league office to monitor live game broadcasts. Players will also be forced to undergo a full evaluation in the locker room after demonstrating instability on their feet.