Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa stretchered off field, taken to hospital with 'head and neck injuries'

By Eric Smithling | Last updated 9/29/22

For the second consecutive game, Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was involved in a scary on-field incident.

Tagovailoa was taken off the field on a stretcher following a second-quarter sack by Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Josh Tupou.

Last Sunday against the Buffalo Bills, Tagovailoa was visibly shaken up following a hit by linebacker Matt Milano. While attempting to run down the field for the next play, Tagovailoa stumbled and lost his balance.

Uh oh, Tua is not okay… #FinsUp pic.twitter.com/epCxe5h5Je
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) September 25, 2022

In the immediate aftermath, many questioned whether the Dolphins followed the concussion protocol following the hit. According to the team, Tagovailoa passed the protocol and was instead experiencing issues related to a back injury.

A slow-motion replay from the "Thursday Night Football" broadcast showed his hands locking up after her hit the ground hard on a sack. According to broadcaster Al Michaels, former Jaguars and Giants head trainer Mike Ryan, now "Thursday Night Football's" medical analyst, says the video appears to show "a neurological response to head trauma."

Tua Tagovailoa has been taken to a local hospital for further evaluation. He is conscious and has movement in all his extremities.
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) September 30, 2022