The 2015 NFL Playoffs have begun, and with them a renewed level of intensity has entered the game. And while the high stakes and increase pressure can make the game more exciting for fans and teams alike, they can also cloud the judgment of game-day decision-makers.

This was brought sharply into focus over the weekend, when two Steelers players reentered the game a few short minutes after ugly-looking hits to the head. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and tight end Heath Miller left the field to be evaluated one right after the other with less than five minutes on the clock and the Steelers lagging behind the Ravens.

Less than five minutes of real time after his initial hit, Roethlisberger returned to the field and threw an interception. A short time later, Miller joined him on the field for a last attempt at scoring, only for the tight end to lose a fumble for only the sixth time in his 10 years in the NFL.

Now, did either of these two have concussions? We can’t know. Were they playing at 100% even after the hits and simply made mistakes? That is certainly possible. And coach Mike Tomlin insists that each of them were properly evaluated before returning to play.

However, it seems unlikely that the doctors would have been able to, in that short amount of time, implement the protocols the NFL requires after such hits to the head. Reportedly, it takes 15 to 20 minutes to complete all the necessary checks, and neither Miller nor Roethlisberger were on the sidelines for even close to that amount of time.

Even if the players and doctors were able to hurriedly complete all the protocols, it would appear that the priority was not with carefully assessing for a possible head injury but rather with clearing Miller and Roethlisberger as quickly as possible to return them to play. The short time they were off the field was not sufficient for any amount of real scrutiny.

Football engenders a passionate, thrilling, and charged atmosphere. The NFL Playoffs magnify that spirit for everyone involved, and that’s not a bad thing. But when those high emotions cause teams to put the game above player safety, it’s time to take a hard look at where that team’s priorities lie.

*Scientists have no conclusive evidence as to whether or how the reduction of g-forces during impacts reduces the number or degree of concussions and head injuries. GelDefender products provide supplemental padding as well as cooling and comfort benefits when used with helmets and caps. Participants in activities in which head impacts can occur should always use tested and approved helmets for protection. However, no helmet or supplemental padding can protect the user from all serious head or neck injuries that can result from impacts.