Wisconsin safety Mike Caputo left Saturday’s game against Alabama after suffering a head injury early in the first quarter and then lining up on the wrong side of the line of scrimmage.

His confusion was an obvious sign of possible head injury, and Wisconsin removed him for evaluation. Shortly thereafter, the team announced that he would not be returning to the field. Alabama went on to beat Wisconsin 35-17.

Caputo is a key player in the Wisconsin defense, and his removal could not have been easy for the team. Kudos to Wisconsin for, despite that, identifying the problem and then putting Caputo’s health first by removing him from play.

*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.