My opinion of Shannahan the man aside.. no, players know their bodies better than anyone. If a player says they can play.. and that player with limitations due to the ding presents a better option on winning that game.. he plays.
It wasn't like the Ravens game were the Docs never got a chance to thumb up or down it.. it is between the coaches and player if he plays upon being cleared.
I heard on the Radio this morning that due to RGIII's age, an adult should have pulled him. Is RG3 not old enough to vote, drink or serve for this country. Then he is certainly old enough to make this decision for himself.
I disagree with the premise that this falls on the coach.. it doesn't, it falls upon the player if he is good to go, and then it is on the coach if this player gives them the best shot to win.
Jared Allen played the most of the season with a torn labrum for instance.. he played because he thought he could and the Vikes thought he gave them the best chance to win. Same with Suggs, Lewis, Justin Smith... they all have decided that they can play through it.
Cutler a couple years ago, decided he couldn't go. Ponder had it decided for him that he didn't give the Vikes the best chance to win this past weekend. This happens all the time.
The only time I would disagree, is in head related injuries where the player may be compromised mentally, at that point the doctors and coaches should make the call to sit the player.
"The oranges are dry; the apples are mealy; and the papayas... I don't know what's going on with the papayas!"