The Colts starting linebacker Tyjuan Hagler has been put on IR for the rest of the season due to a ruptured biceps.  Five other players from the Colts team were missing from practice on Wednesday as well due to injuries: Marlin Jackson(strained ACL),Anthony Gonzalez (knee),Kelvin Hayden (knee),Bob Sanders (elbow),and Dwight Freeney who was held out to rest.

Physical injury is part of the game of football, it’s unfortunate when players get hurt but not unexpected.  Now people are beginning to wonder how much damage there is to be had mentally.  Recent studies from the NFL have shown that their is a higher case of dementia and other cognitive impairments in retired and under 50 NFL players than in the rest of the general population.

These studies have not been peer reviewed yet, which means the details cannot be confirmed as fact quite yet.  Within the last month the NFL has formed a concussion and traumatic brain injury committee that will continue to look at long-term effects of brain injuries among players.The committee will also look at the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention brain injury in  players who are still actively playing today.

Though evidence is still being gathered, many professionals over the past three years have testified to the link between sports head injuries and later cognitive problems.  The NFL and its staff still believe their is not enough information to conclude anything as fact.  Who knows where this will take the sport of football in years to come.