For the first time this season, the NFL is allowing players to wear protective caps on their helmets. They’re called “Guardian Caps” and the purpose is to reduce the possibility of players suffering head injuries on the field.
All summer, several Rams players wore them in practice, particularly along the offensive line. Players who play positions where head contact is most common are required to wear Guardian Caps in training camp practices, and in Week 2 against the Arizona Cardinals, a Rams player wore a Guardian Cap in a game.
Right guard Kevin Dotson was spotted wearing one over his helmet, making him one of the few players in the league to wear a cap in a game. You can see his helmet cover in the video below.
https://twitter.com/RamsNFL/status/1835405727739105560
According to NFL research, Guardian Caps can absorb up to 10% of the force of a hit, so it is effective. If all players wear them, the NFL estimates that its effectiveness can be as high as 20%.
Guardian Caps debuted in 2022 but this is the first year players are allowed to wear them in games.