Tua Tagovailoa, the star quarterback for the Miami Dolphins, has had a rollercoaster season that is continuing as he enters the NFL concussion protocol for the second time this year. He nevertheless managed to play the entire game against the Green Bay Packers.
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#Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa is once again in the NFL’s concussion protocol. His status for this week’s game against the #Patriots is now in doubt. pic.twitter.com/Y69BnujxZN
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 26, 2022
When he was tackled by the Packers in the second quarter, Tagovailoa appeared to hit his head on the ground, but he didn’t leave the game and wasn’t checked for a concussion.
Social media users have been sharing a video of a play from the first half in which Tagovailoa was struck from behind while completing a throw below the waist. Tagovailoa was spun to the ground as a result of the tackle, and the back of his head struck the surface. In the first half of Sunday’s game, Tagovailoa was 9 of 12 for 229 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions. He completed 7 of 13 passes for 81 yards in the second half, with no touchdowns and 3 interceptions.
Saw this live. And I recorded it because I knew as soon as I saw it. This happened late in the 1st half. And I believe Tua played 2nd half with a concussion. His head bounced off the ground. And it was very similar to the hit in Cincinnati. 3 INTs in the 4th qtr. proved it to me. pic.twitter.com/Djl0xkGToX
— Michael Williams (@SelfMade0602) December 25, 2022
However, Miami head coach Mike McDaniel stated during the post-game press conference that it is unknown when Tua sustained a concussion. McDaniel also stated that the third-year quarterback acknowledged having concussion symptoms on Monday. He was then placed on the concussion protocol right away.
What if he had another concussion in the second half? Playing with a young man’s life. Do better @NFL @MiamiDolphins
— $ASTA $1+ (@TraderD15) December 27, 2022
I bet the @MiamiDolphins doctor will have no issues clearing him though 😞 @NFL and @NFLPA really need to step in here. Dolphins clearly are not following the concussion rules.
— @kriswd40@hachyderm.io (@KrisWD40) December 27, 2022
The coach is unsure whether Tagovailoa will be available to play this week against the New England Patriots.
This is the second time when Tua Tagovailoa entered the concussion protocol
After taking a hard hit against the Cincinnati Bengals in week 4, the Alabama product had already entered the concussion protocol. After that game, he was hospitalized for a short time and missed two games before returning to play in week 7.
The Dolphins suffered a winless December with a healthy Tua Tagovailoa playing but now they might have to make their playoff push with their starting QB in the NFL Concussion Protocol – @Outkick https://t.co/ZR2AOS5OuN
— Armando Salguero (@ArmandoSalguero) December 26, 2022
Just a few days before that game, Dolphins coach Adam Gase was heavily chastised for allowing Tagovailoa to play after taking a hard hit against the Buffalo Bills. Despite showing concussion symptoms during the game, he was evaluated and allowed to continue playing.
The loss comes at a bad time for Miami (8-7), which has lost four straight games and has dropped to the bottom of the AFC playoff standings.
In his third season in Miami, 24-year-old Tagovailoa is the No. 5 overall pick in the 2020 draught. This season, he has thrown for a career-high 3,548 yards and 25 touchdowns on 259 of 400 completions (64.8%).
Teddy Bridgewater is in line to start for the second time this season if Tagovailoa is unable to play on Sunday. In Week 5, he started in Tagovailoa’s place as a replacement.
