Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

NFL, NFLPA finalize modifications to concussion protocols, conclude they were followed correctly in Tagovailoa incident

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 10/8/22

Nearly two weeks ago, Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa stumbled to the turf frighteningly after suffering a blow to the back of his head, only to return to the game later. The incident led to heavy criticism toward the league and the Dolphins, helping spark an investigation into the league's concussion protocols.

The NFL and NFLPA revealed the investigation findings on Saturday and announced protocol modifications.

The investigation concluded that the Dolphins' medical staff and the Unaffiliated Neurotrauma Consultant followed protocols correctly regarding the incident in Week 3. However, both the NFL and NFLPA agreed that changes to the protocols were necessary.

"The NFL and the NFLPA agree that the outcome in this case is not what was intended when the Protocols were drafted," the statement read. "As such, as has been done in previous cases, based on the advice of the parties' respective medical experts, the Protocol will be modified to enhance the safety of the players."

The NFL and NFLPA announce they agree concussion protocols were properly applied with Tua Tagovailoa on Sept. 25, but that those protocols — now modified — were insufficient. Joint statement: pic.twitter.com/Eo2OkaAvGj
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 8, 2022

The league has added "Ataxia" to the list of "no-go" symptoms, which, if shown by a player, will prevent them from re-entering a game.

"'Ataxia' is defined as abnormality of balance/stability, motor coordination or dysfunctional speech caused by a neurological issue," the statement continued. "In other words, if a player is diagnosed with "ataxia" by any club or neutral physician involved in the application of the Concussion Protocol, he will be prohibited from returning to the game, and will receive the follow-up care required by the Protocol."

The change to the concussion protocols stands in line with rumors throughout the week. Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reported that the league would remove the "gross motor instability" loophole that allowed Tagovailoa to return to Week 3's contest against the Buffalo Bills and may have contributed to the head injury he had suffered four days later against the Cincinnati Bengals.

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