I lend much more credence to the folks who’ve actually examined the skull.
An examination of the skull cannot possibly tell you he was hit in the head and partially blocked the blow. Then turned to run and the guy he was racing connected with a side of the head hit. Then he was on he ground and the attacker hit a third fatal blow.
It could have been two or three against one in that instant. he may have been close to a comrade who was also fighting and his violent swing at an attacker connected with his friend beside him.
This is the weakness archaeology always has to guard against... conclusions and narratives not supported by evidence.
But interesting artifact.