Concussion Knocks Hillenmeyer Out For Season

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Sep 15, 2010 2:40PM

The Bears' defense was dealt a blow when the team was forced to place linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer on injured reserve, ending his season on Tuesday. A blow to his head caused a concussion during the third preseason game. While symptoms associated with the concussion were why he didn't travel to Cleveland for the final preseason game, he had been cleared to play in Sunday's opener. Hillenmeyer then left Sunday's game against the Lions with what was described at the time as symptoms of illness. Determined to be lingering effects of the brain blow, the team decided to put him on ice for the rest of the year.

As concussions have become an important topic for the league, NFLPA team representative Hillenmeyer has been outspoken in publicizing the issue. He is even among a group of a dozen players who have pledged to donate their brains and spinal cord tissue to the Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy, which is researching how injuries suffered on the football field impact players later in life. While some players may have tried to downplay symptoms to remain on the field, the Vanderbilt grad is no dummy. With his first child on the way this winter, he was smart to consider the long term impact on his health. Said Hillenmeyer, "As someone who has been in the forefront of player advocacy of concussion awareness, I'm happy to see my team err on the side of caution. But when it is my season that is cut short, it makes the complexity of the issues really hit home."

Filling the roster spot is now GM Jerry Angelo's top priority. He likely regrets waiving Tim Shaw when rosters were locked in, and now Shaw is part of the Tennessee Titans. They may re-sign Kevin Malas, who was also among the final cuts.