Aug 20, 2024; New Orleans, LA, USA; A New Orleans Saints guardian cap during practice at Yulman Stadium (Tulane). Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
It was the option given to NFL players in 2024 to protect their heads further than in training camp: they could wear Guardian Caps -- the additional padding that could be put over a helmet -- during the regular season in games.
So far, we've only seen a handful of players take advantage of it, and with the ongoing discussion of head injuries and concussions in the game every week -- especially after another concussion for Tua Tagovailoa -- it's a good time to look at the players who have worn a Guardian Cap through Week 2 of the season.
So here's a roundup of the players we know of so far who have put one on for an NFL regular season contest:
1. LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Cleveland Browns
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 15: A general view of Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah #6 of the Cleveland Browns wearing a Guardian Cap during the 3rd quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TrEver Bank Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 776151347 ORIG FILE ID: 2172209609
2. TE Josh Whyle, Tennessee Titans
Sep 15, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; New York Jets linebacker Chazz Surratt (55) tackles Tennessee Titans tight end Josh Whyle (81) during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images ORG XMIT: IMAGN-880895 ORIG FILE ID: 20240915_jcd_ra1_0591.JPG
3. G James Daniels, Pittsburgh Steelers
Sep 15, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers guard James Daniels (78) wears a guardian cap in the second half against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images ORG XMIT: IMAGN-880899 ORIG FILE ID: 20240915_tbs_ac4_202.JPG
4. S Jabrill Peppers, New England Patriots
CINCINNATI, OHIO - SEPTEMBER 08: Jabrill Peppers #5 of the New England Patriots wears a Guardian Cap as he warms up before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 776151330 ORIG FILE ID: 2170839009
5. TE Kylen Granson, Indianapolis Colts
Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Jay Tufele (97) tackles Indianapolis Colts tight end Kylen Granson (83) in the first quarter of the NFL preseason game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Indianapolis Colts at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024.
6. S Rodney Thomas II, Indianapolis Colts
Sep 15, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) against Indianapolis Colts safety Rodney Thomas II (25) at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Wm. Glasheen/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images ORG XMIT: IMAGN-880892 ORIG FILE ID: 20240915_jcd_usa_0604.JPG
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