Concussion causes 49ers' Eric Reid to be a 'smarter' tackler

Monday's health and safety news from the world of football:

• San Francisco defensive back Eric Reid decided to change the way he tackles after suffering a concussion while taking down Mike Tolbert during the 49ers' regular season meeting with the Carolina Panthers, according to the Sacramento Bee.

• Kansas City Star columnist Sam Mellinger poked holes in the conspiracy theories that connected concussions with the Kansas City Chiefs sitting injured players during their Wild Card playoff game and recent lawsuits by the team's former players.

• The Sporting News wrote about how Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Percy Harvin was tested twice for concussions in the first half of Saturday's playoff game vs. the New Orleans Saints and was ruled out for the second half.

• The Associated Press reported that the career of New York Giants running back David Wilson is in the balance as he faces neck surgery.

• KERA-FM, the NPR station in Dallas, held a roundtable conversation about injury concerns in the NFL playoffs.

• Forbes Magazine said the $765 million concussion settlement between the NFL and former players was a win-win for both sides. Meanwhile, The New York Times reported on the two tiers of payouts in the league's settlement in the lawsuit by more than 4,000 retired players.

• on how Putnam County schools will not require coaches to undergo training to treat head injuries.

• at random drug testing for college athletes in the region.

• a staff editorial that said stronger rules for evaluating players who suffer concussions in college and pro football will make the game safer.

• The Omaha World-Herald reported on a concussion bill in the Nebraska legislature that would ease students back into the classroom.

-- Bill Bradley, contributing editor