NFL ruling on blood

[JRutledge]

Originally Posted by paul_m

In the Tampa Bay/San Diego game that just finished, Jeff Garcia bloodied the bridge of his nose after a legal hit. It pretty much covered his face and should have been obvious to any official that looked at him.

In the NFL, are players not forced out of the game by officials due to blood? Is it the discretion of the referee? From what I can remember, it is mandatory for high school and collegiate players to be taken out of the game due to open wounds.

I know Garcia is an integral part of the TB offense that was driving, but shouldn't personal safety measures be taken to protect the other 21 players on the field?

You are assuming that this is easily seen. It is very possible that no one saw this at all. We often do not look that closely into the helmet of players that closely.

Secondly I am not sure what the rule is. And I think these are professionals and they do not have the same issues a high school or college player might have.

Peace