Tua TagovailoaThe advent of the concussion protocol caused much controversy — and history seems to be repeating itself.
The Miami Dolphins The quarterback is in concussion protocol for the second time this season after Sunday’s game against the Green Bay Packers — though the league says he showed no signs of such an injury during the game.
Tagovailoa reported symptoms the day after the game, but the league’s chief medical officer, Dr. Alan Sills, said in an interview with NFL Network on Tuesday that he did not show anything “ethical-inducing” during the game.
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Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagowailoa looks to the sideline during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022, in Cincinnati. Tagovailoa suffered her second gruesome injury in five days when she was carted off the field on Thursday.
(AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
“Our spotters and neurologists who are not affiliated with us are looking for any blow that transmits force to the head or neck area, followed by the behavior of that injury.” Sills explained. “So many hits to the head occur during a game. We’re always looking for hit and injury behavior, and if we see any obvious injury behavior, there’s a call to evaluate the player. Also, if a player recognizes any symptoms or a teammate, coach, official, anyone else If symptoms are identified, that also initiates a protocol. So many people can initiate a protocol and in this game on Sunday, none of those factors were present. Not visible. Despite the hit to the head and being in contact with the medical staff throughout the game, the player reported no symptoms. So, there is nothing that triggers the protocol at this time. “
Dua Tagovailoa #1 of the Miami Dolphins makes a pitch prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at Hard Rock Stadium on December 25, 2022 in Miami Gardens, Florida.
(Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
It’s not known when Tagovailoa suffered the concussion, but it’s widely believed he suffered it after hitting the grass on his head at Hard Rock Stadium on Christmas Day when he threw a pass to Durham Smith and was tackled from behind in the second quarter. .
Tagovailoa stayed in the game, but it wasn’t pretty as he threw three straight interceptions on Miami’s final three drives while the Packers scored 16 unanswered points to win 26-20 and keep their playoff hopes alive.
That tackle was similar to his one in Week 3, where he recovered after a fumble but played three days later after a concussion sent him to the hospital and forced the NFL to make changes to its protocol.
Tagovailo’s hands crumpled on the ground after being hit on the head. Many speculated that he should have been in concussion protocol after the win against the Bills.
Instead, he practiced as usual until the opening game of the week.
Tua Tagovailoa #1 of the Miami Dolphins drives against the Detroit Lions during the first quarter at Ford Field on October 30, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan.
(Ray Del Rio/Getty Images)
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Tagovailoa finished 16 of 25 for 310 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions in Sunday’s loss to the Packers. He surpassed 200 yards in the first half alone after a few long completions, including an 84-yard touchdown catch and run to Jaylen Waddle.
The 8-7 Dolphins currently sit seventh in the AFC playoff picture, but they have lost each of their last four games.
Fox News’ Scott Thompson contributed to this report.
