Data indicate concussions up

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Updated: August 4, 2011 4:20PM

If it seems as though more and more NFL players are missing time because of concussions this season, it’s because they are.

According to league data obtained by the Associated Press, the number of concussions being reported this season is up more than 20 percent from 2009 and more than 30 percent from 2008. The NFL considers that proof that players and teams are taking head injuries more seriously.

The NFL’s data shows 154 concussions — from practices or games — were reported from the start of the preseason through the eighth week of the 2010 regular season. That’s an increase of 21 percent from the 127 concussions through the eighth week of the 2009 season and a 34 percent jump from the 115 reported in the same span in 2008.

Dr. Hunt Batjer of Northwestern University, the co-chairman of the NFL’s head, neck and spine medical committee, called the numbers ‘‘a great sign.’’

‘‘Based on the opinions of the trainers and the team physicians and everyone we communicate with, it appears to be a cultural change,’’ Batjer said in an interview with the AP. ‘‘We’re trying to make sure that players have the message: Playing through pain is good. Playing through pain is what sports are about. But that’s leg pain. That’s arm pain. Not brain injury. Because a brain injury and spine injury can threaten their future.’’

Rodgers update

Even with the Green Bay Packers’ playoff hopes in jeopardy, coach Mike McCarthy said the team will err on the side of caution when evaluating quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ second concussion of the season.

‘‘We’re not going to take any chances,’’ McCarthy said. ‘‘No different than on game day. When it became a question, an issue — was he clear, wasn’t he clear? — we pulled him immediately. We’ll always take the high side of caution in these types of situations.’’

Rodgers left the Packers’ road game Sunday against the Detroit Lions shortly after he was hit hard on back-to-back plays in the second quarter. He was replaced by backup Matt Flynn, and the Packers went on to lose 7-3.

Rodgers also suffered a concussion Oct. 10 against the Washington Redskins. He played against the Miami Dolphins the next week and hasn’t missed a game since taking over as the Packers’ starter in 2008.

Jets suspend assistant

The New York Jets assistant coach who purposely tripped Dolphins cornerback Nolan Carroll on a special-teams play along the Jets’ sideline Sunday was suspended by the team without pay for the rest of the season and fined an additional $25,000.

Strength coach Sal Alosi offered an apology for his action at a news conference earlier in the day.

‘‘I let everybody down,’’ Alosi said, appearing to fight back tears. ‘‘My actions were inexcusable and irresponsible.’’

Out for the season

Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham will miss the rest of the season after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys.

◆ Washington Redskins safety LaRon Landry will miss the rest of the season with a strained left Achilles tendon that has bothered him for the last month.

◆ Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Deon Butler will miss the rest of the season with a broken right leg suffered Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers.

Bucs LB Hayes arrested

Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Geno Hayes was released on bond after being arrested and charged with disorderly conduct and trespassing during an incident at a nightclub in Tampa, Fla.

Sun-Times wires