• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Want a chance to win $250 and free FOS gear? Take our quick reader survey. Take the survey here

Is It Time For NFL Networks To Add ‘Injury Analysts’ To Coverage?

  • Fox hiring of ‘Rules Expert’ Mike Pereira changed NFL coverage forever.
  • Amazon, NBC, ESPN now boast Sports Medicine/Injury experts.
Sam Greene-The Enquirer

The NFL’s TV partners are always experimenting with coverage. Given the rash of controversial injuries this season, the time may be coming where media partners like ESPN and Fox add full-time “Concussion/Injury” analysts to their telecasts. 

These medical specialists could explain on-field injuries, head trauma, and protocols to viewers following injuries such as the devastating concussion suffered by Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa against the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday night.

It was only 12 years ago that Fox hired Mike Pereira for an on-air job as “Rules Expert.” The former vice president of NFL officiating revolutionized the league’s TV coverage, explaining referee calls and the arcane rulebook to millions of viewers. 

Now every NFL media partner boasts their own “Officiating Analyst” or “Rules Expert” a la Pereira. Former Fox executive Patrick Crakes would not be surprised to see medical doctors/neurologists analyze injuries in the near future.

“When it comes to the star players, figuring out what’s going on matters — a lot,” Crakes said. “I could absolutely see it. Would it be as in-depth and as prevalent as the rules analysis? I would say no. But I think you will see more of it.”

The NFL’s TV partners have tinkered with the idea. But medical experts have mostly been utilized off-the-air. Or relegated to pregame and studio shows.

During Amazon’s coverage of Tagovailoa’s injury Thursday night, play-by-play commentator Al Michaels cited the opinion of “sports medicine consultant” Mike Ryan. But viewers didn’t hear or see Ryan. Instead, his observations about the Dolphin QB’s apparent head trauma — including the scary sight of his hands seizing up in a so-called “fencing response” — were relayed through Michaels. 

Ryan, the former head athletic trainer with the New York Giants and Jacksonville Jaguars, now serves as sports medicine analyst for both TNF and NBC’s “Sunday Night Football.” But he’s just on-call for TNF, said sources, not a regular part of the coverage like Rules Analyst Terry McAulay.

ESPN uses senior writer and licensed physical therapist Stephania Bell as its “Injury Analyst.” Bell appears mostly on studio programming such as “SportsCenter,” “NFL Live,” and “Fantasy Football Now.” 

In the wake of Tagovailoa’s injury, ESPN’s “Sunday NFL Countdown” pregame show gave Bell a full three minutes Sunday to educate viewers on concussion dangers and testing, noted The Athletic.

Fox is usually the first to try new ideas. A few years back, the network added a medical doctor to pregame programming. But the experiment didn’t last. “It certainly was relevant at the moment,” Crakes said.

Meanwhile, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Mark Adickes has served as medical expert for DirecTV’s Fantasy Zone for the past eight years.

Some of the NFL’s most respected voices are sounding the alarm about injuries, concussions, and potential Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).

On “Sunday Night Football,” analyst Tony Dungy said NFL teams must rely on firm neurological tests and protocols rather than heeding the wishes of injured players who claim they’re healthy enough to play.  

Teams playing “Thursday Night Football” should also get a bye week so they don’t have to play twice in four days like the Dolphins, said the Super Bowl-winning coach.

Meanwhile, NBC’s Rodney Harrison implored players to think about their lives after football is over. 

“So, please, I’ll tell you again, please report it if something’s wrong with your head because life after football is serious. Five, 10, 15, 20 years from now, you’re going to feel the effects of CTE,” Harrison warned.

With controversy still raging over the NFL’s treatment of Tagovailoa, a dozen players were removed from games on Sunday under the league’s concussion protocols.

The NFLPA has fired the neurotrauma doctor who misdiagnosed the Tagovailoa’s injury in Week 3 and allowed him to return to the game.

On Monday, Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said Tagovailoa is still in concussion protocol and will miss this Sunday’s game against the New York Jets.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Colin Cowherd

Colin Cowherd Reflects on Hall of Fame Career and Why His Show..

“Once you’re on television and people have a remote, you’ve got to speed it up.”
Oct 24, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Paul Reed (7) celebrates with guard Cade Cunningham (2) after a play during the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center.

‘On the Bench’ Analysts Aim to Give NBA Viewers Courtside Access

Austin Rivers and Robbie Hummel will deliver reports straight from the bench.
Terry Rozier

NBA Strongly Denies Quietly Suspending Terry Rozier in 2023

Brian Windhorst appeared to walk back his comments Friday morning.
exclusive

Some ESPN Producers Fed Up With McAfee’s ‘Diva’ Behavior: Sources

The “College GameDay” host has powerful allies.

Featured Today

September 21, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell before the game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Arizona Cardinals at Levi's Stadium

NFL Fall Meeting: 7 Big Topics Among Team Owners 

Media, facilities, and labor highlight some of the key areas of concern.
Ohio State Buckeyes running back Isaiah West (32) runs the ball in the second half at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin
October 25, 2025

NIL Has Birthed a Third-Party Cottage Industry—and It’s a Mess

There’s no limit to how much players can make from NIL deals.
Christie's
October 21, 2025

Lou Gehrig’s $4M Jersey and the Exploding Sports Memorabilia Market

An ultra-rare sports collection is about to hit the auction block.
@chef__tezz/Instagram
October 19, 2025

Inside the NFL’s Private Chef Network

Private chefs are the unsung architects of player performance.
YouTube/ Multiple streaming services appear on a Roku TV.

YouTube in Another Carriage Dispute, This Time With Disney

ESPN and ABC could be dropped from the No. 4 U.S. pay-TV distributor.
May 17, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees left fielder Jasson Dominguez (24) shakes hands with New York Mets right fielder Juan Soto (22) after the top of the fifth inning at Yankee Stadium.
October 23, 2025

Mets, Yankees, and the Nielsen Debate That Won’t Go Away

Weeks after the end of the MLB regular season, viewership issues remain.
Oct 21, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) keeps the ball away from Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) during the second half at Paycom Center
October 23, 2025

NBA’s NBC Return Draws 5.9M Viewers, Best Opener Since 2010

Thunder vs. Rockets peaked at 7.1 million viewers.
Sponsored

Why Alexis Ohanian Is Betting Big on Women’s Sports

Alexis Ohanian reflects on his evolution from Reddit cofounder to one of today’s most dynamic sports investors.
Brian Windhorst
October 23, 2025

Brian Windhorst Details Emergency Landing on Omaha–L.A. Flight

The pilots and flight attendants had a communication issue.
October 22, 2025

YouTube Stars Help Bring Back Golf Channel’s ‘Big Break’

The show will return in 2026 after an 11-year hiatus.
Candace Parker
October 22, 2025

Candace Parker Wants NFL-Style Coverage From NBA Media

Amazon will stream its first NBA doubleheader Friday.
Netflix
October 21, 2025

Netflix Staying on the Sidelines As TNT Sports Parent Seeks Buyer

The streaming giant shows little interest in acquisition possibilities.