Miami Dolphins are cleared of any wrongdoing over QB Tua Tagovailoa’s concussion diagnosis

The NFL and the players union have cleared the Miami Dolphins of any wrongdoing in the diagnosis of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s latest concussion.

The third-year signal caller entered the NFL’s concussion protocol for the second time this week following Sunday’s loss to the Green Bay Packers. His head struck Hard Rock Stadium grass in the second quarter, but he was not examined or removed from the game, prompting an investigation into the situation.

In a joint statement, the league and union announced that the team was not at fault for not diagnosing Tagovailoa on the field because he had shown no signs of a concussion.

The NFL and the players union have cleared the Miami Dolphins of any wrongdoing over the diagnosis of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s latest concussion.

‘The NFL and the NFLPA [the players’ union] concluded their joint review involving Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in Sunday’s game against the Green Bay Packers,” the statement began. ‘The joint review determined that the protocol was not activated. The protocol is initiated when a player is struck in the head and displays or reports signs or symptoms suggestive of a concussion.

“The review established that symptoms of a concussion were not exhibited or reported until the following day, at which time Mr. Tagovailoa was appropriately assessed and placed on the concussion protocol by the team’s medical staff.”

Tagovailoa has been officially ruled out of Sunday’s game at New England.

For Tagovailoa, it’s unclear when, or if, he will return to the field, but many current and former players have raised concerns about his long-term health after his second confirmed concussion of the season.

Tagovailoa previously suffered a concussion in a Week 4 loss to Cincinnati on a play that knocked him out and caused him to be stretchered off the field.

That was four days after he was allowed to return to a game against Buffalo after appearing disoriented after a hit. It was a disturbing scene as Tagovailoa wobbled as he tried to get back to his feet, and the NFL later changed its concussion protocol to require any player showing potential concussion symptoms, including lack of balance or stability, to stay put. out the rest of the game. a game.

Miami coach Mike McDaniel said Friday that Tagovailoa continues to improve. “He’s better than the day before,” McDaniel said. “But I’m also trying to prepare a team to play this game, and it really doesn’t do anyone any good to talk too much about the scenario where you have to focus on your health and nothing else.”

The league and union have since reviewed the process that cleared Tagovailoa in September and, as a result, one of the non-league neurotrauma consultants was fired.

Both the NFL and NFLPA have since agreed to add ataxia to the list of disqualifying head trauma symptoms.

‘Ataxia’ is defined as an abnormality of balance/stability, motor coordination or dysfunctional speech caused by a neurological problem,’ read a joint statement. ‘In other words, if a player is diagnosed with ‘ataxia’ by any neutral club or doctor involved in the implementation of the Concussion Protocol, they will be prohibited from returning to play and will receive the follow-up care required by the Protocol.’

Miami coach Mike McDaniel said Friday that Tagovailoa continues to improve.

“He’s better than the day before,” McDaniel said. “But I’m also trying to prepare a team to play this game, and it really doesn’t do anyone any good to talk too much about the scenario where you have to focus on your health and nothing else.”

Teddy Bridgewater will lead Miami in Sunday’s critical division matchup, which will be a factor in the Dolphins clinching their first postseason berth since 2016. The Dolphins can clinch the playoffs with a win and a New York Jets loss. against Seattle, or a combined draw. with a Jets loss and a Pittsburgh Steelers loss or tie.

McDaniel was equally concerned about his 24-year-old starting quarterback, but chose his words carefully and offered few details about Tagovailoa’s future. He said Friday that he has “diligently” blocked outside views regarding Tagovailoa’s health.

“I haven’t read or talked or heard anything outside of doing my job with the people that I work with,” McDaniel said. “I think from an integrity standpoint, it’s important for me to do everything for the right reasons and not have influence in any way with whatever the situation is.”

Teddy Bridgewater (left) will lead Miami in Sunday’s critical division matchup, which will be a factor in the Dolphins clinching their first postseason berth since 2016. The Dolphins can clinch the playoffs with a win and a loss by the New York Jets vs. Seattle, or a tie combined with a Jets loss and a Pittsburgh Steelers loss or tie

When he returned for Miami’s Week 7 matchup against Pittsburgh, Tagovailoa opened up about how stressful the whole process had been.

“It’s been a process, that’s for sure,” Tagovailoa said in October. “Having to deal with the interviews with the NFL and the NFLPA and then having to go see the doctors outside with second opinions … but it’s all done for the safety of the players. I’m glad I went through those things to understand more about concussions and the effects.

Tagovailoa’s brother, Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa, told the Associated Press Thursday that he is concerned about his brother’s long-term health, given the amount of information available about chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, the progressive brain condition caused by repeated blows to the head. .

‘That’s my brother,’ he said. I want him to always be safe, but at the same time play the game he loves and do what he loves to do and see him happy. In life, I feel like we all have to make those tough decisions, regardless of what you feel like doing at the time. There are many more years and much more time too, because he is still young.

Tagovailoa’s brother, Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa (pictured), told the Associated Press Thursday that he is concerned about his brother’s long-term health, given the amount of information available about chronic traumatic encephalopathy. , or CTE, the progressive brain condition caused by repeated blows. to the head