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Tua Tagovailoa’s concussion concerns continue to be a talking point around the NFL. Recent comments made by Miami Dolphins GM Chris Grier have been met with skepticism.
Many around the league are questioning the organization’s view on the long-term health of the quarterback moving forward.
Tagovailoa became the center of attention early this season after suffering an apparent concussion in a matchup against the Bills. Despite showing signs of a head injury (dazed state, loss of balance), he was allowed to finish out that contest after going through the NFL concussion protocol.
Just a few days later, the passer suffered another shot to the head which knocked him out of a game against the Bengals. Tagovailoa then missed the next few weeks before being deemed healthy enough to return to the starting lineup.
Fast forward to Week 17, and he was hit with another apparent concussion versus the Packers. He, again, was able to finish out the remainder of the matchup despite seeing an evident drop in performance.
He was sidelined for the Dolphins’ season finale, as well as their postseason loss to the Bills over the weekend.
Those three significant head injuries cost Tua Tagovailoa action in 2022, and they have many concerned about his future in the NFL. The Dolphins’ front office, however, believes there’s no reason to fret.
Miami GM spoke to the media on Monday, and he’s not worried about the past concussions affecting his quarterback’s future. Here’s what he had to say in a recent press conference, according to Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network.
Grier said they fully expected Tua to be 100% healthy and ready to go as their QB next year. Grier added with their conversations with doctors and NFLPA, they’ve learned it is not true he would be more prone to having concussions after having multiple this year. Grier says Tua Tagovailoa is no more prone to concussions now than any other NFL player.
Grier says that the QB is at no more risk of concussions than any other player, despite his history of head injuries.
Now, many studies might contradict that opinion. Most believe that you’re more prone to a second and third concussion after having your first. Other findings have gone as far as to say that players with a history of at least three concussions were more likely to suffer another.
Of course, all of that might go out the window when you get up to your eighth, ninth, and tenth concussions, which isn’t an unreasonable number for NFL players who’ve been playing big-time football since high school. Or if you simply use NFL players as your baseline comparison, as they’ve all likely suffered some sort of head trauma throughout their careers.
Still, many online are skeptical of Grier’s comments, and they were quick to post their reactions online.
One fan said, “These dudes do not care about Tua. Plain and simple.” Another commented, “Hope Tua consulted with an outside opinion, I wouldn’t trust any of these guys.”
Others noted that while he may not be more prone than any other player, the long-term effects on his health should be considered.
This person posted, “Just more prone to early onset dementia or Alzheimer’s, likely in his 50s or 60s.”
Hopefully Grier’s assessment is true and Tua Tagovailoa can return to full health next year. One thing is for sure, though. The Dolphins will be under fire at the first sign of another concussion.