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The NFL is yet again scrambling after Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was placed, yet again, in concussion protocol earlier this week.
The Dolphins’ signal-caller is in the midst of the most successful season yet of his young career. But that’s not where the story lies.
Instead, it centers around Tagovailoa suffering multiple concussions this season and the NFL’s failure to protect its players.
Let’s rewind to late September. The Dolphins came under fire for reinserting Tagovailoa into a game against the Buffalo Bills after he’d been seen struggling to stand following a hit late in the first half.
Just four days later, Tagovailoa was carted off the field against the Cincinnati Bengals after his head bounced off the turf while taking a sack. Fans quickly crucified both Miami and the NFL for their handling of the young star.
The incident led to a change in the NFL’s concussion protocols. But that change didn’t seem to satisfy fans. And it also didn’t appear to make things much safer.
Tagovailoa suffered what many believe is his third concussion of the year against the Green Bay Packers in Week 16. But he remained in the game until the end and was only put into concussion protocol on Monday.
Many questioned how the NFL could possibly let that happen. Now we have an answer.
NFL Statement Says Tua Tagovailoa Didn’t Show Signs Of Concussion Against Packers
Both the NFL and the NFLPA investigated the incident and appear to have reached the same conclusion.
“The protocol is initiated when a player receives an impact to the head and exhibits or reports signs or symptoms suggestive of a concussion,” the NFL and NFLPA said in a joint statement Saturday. “The review established that symptoms of a concussion were neither exhibited nor reported until the following day at which time the team medical personnel appropriately evaluated and placed Mr. Tagovailoa in the concussion protocol.” – via ESPN
Tagovailoa struggled down the stretch in the 26-20 loss. He threw three interceptions in the fourth quarter. But he did speak with media members following the game.
Team doctors discovered concussion-like symptoms the following day and he was placed into the league’s concussion protocol.
Miami is now clinging to its playoff lives at 8-7 following an impressive 8-3 start. And it appears they may need backup QB Teddy Bridgewater to save the day.