NFL, NFLPA working to 'modify' concussion protocols amid Tua Tagovailoa situation

On Saturday, the NFL and NFL Players Association released a joint statement agreeing to make "modifications" to the league's concussion protocols amid an investigation into how the Miami Dolphins handled a head injury suffered by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. 

"The NFL and the NFLPA agree that modifications to the Concussion Protocol are needed to enhance player safety," the statement read. "The NFLPA's Mackey-White Health & Safety Committee and the NFL's Head Neck and Spire Committee have already begun conversations around the use of the term "Gross Motor Instability" and we anticipate changes to the protocol being made in the coming days based on what has been learned thus far in the review process."

The NFL and NFLPA statement also revealed that the investigation regarding Tagovailoa remains "ongoing." As of now, they have yet to make any conclusions about medical errors or protocol violations. 

During the Dolphins' Week 3 contest against the Buffalo Bills, Tagovailoa slammed his head onto the turf after a brutal late hit, resulting in the quarterback stumbling off the field. Despite showing clear signs of distress, Tagovailoa did not enter concussion protocols, with the team later claiming he was dealing with back and ankle injuries. 

On Thursday against the Cincinnati Bengals, Tagovailoa suffered another scary hit and seized up while lying on the field. He was later stretchered off the field and taken to a local hospital before being discharged later in the evening. 

Earlier on Saturday, the NFLPA terminated the contract of the unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant involved in clearing Tagovailoa last week. An investigation found that the UNC made "several mistakes" while evaluating Tagovailoa.