National Football League(NEW YORK) -- In wake of Cleveland Browns quarterback Colt McCoy not being checked for a concussion after Steelers linebacker James Harrison brought him down with an illegal helmet-to-facemask hit, the NFL announced Tuesday that effective this week, an independently certified athletics trainer will be assigned to monitor all suspected concussion-related injuries.

The trainers will serve as watchdogs, overseeing the treatment of any possible concussions and making sure that medical staffs on each sideline are following proper league protocol and testing for any head trauma, according to ESPN's Chris Mortensen.

The independent trainers will be paid by the NFL and approved by the NFL Players Association, according to league spokesman Greg Aiello.

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