With Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa in the concussion protocol for the second time this season, opinions on the quarterback's next steps are flooding social media and the Internet.
Dr. Chris Nowinski tweeted it’s time the organization does right by the QB and sits him for the remainder of the season.
Sadly, it happened.
— Chris Nowinski, Ph.D. (@ChrisNowinski1) December 27, 2022
Tua Tagovailoa is in the #concussion protocol after reporting symptoms today, likely from this play in Q2 ⬇️. Missed by team again, despite poor play & 3 INT's after. 3rd concussion of season-no doctor in their right mind can clear him this year. Season over. https://t.co/qbZLlgvk5S pic.twitter.com/NcMb5ZGOf4
Meanwhile, a former NFL star running back takes it a step further. Speaking on FS1's "Speak," LeSean "Shady" McCoy said Tagovailoa should consider retiring from football.
LeSean McCoy says on FS1's "Speak" at this point with the multiple concussions Tua Tagovailoa should retire for his safety.
— Kelsey Nicole Nelson (KNN) (@therealknelson) December 26, 2022
A day after Miami's 26-20 loss to Green Bay, the Dolphins announced Tagovailoa was in concussion protocol.
Reviewing video of the game, Dr. Nowinski -- a former Harvard football player-turned-W.W.E. star-turned-doctor -- said he believes the hit that landed Tagovailoa in the concussion protocol occurred in the second quarter. Nowinski noted that Tagovailoa threw three interceptions after the play in question.
If that is indeed the play that caused Tagovailoa's concussion symptoms, that’s twice this season he's continued playing in games after suffering hits to the head. He temporarily left a Week 3 game against Buffalo with what the team initially called a head injury after he struggled to maintain his balance making his way down the field. The team later said it was a back-related injury.
Tua’s head snaps back and hits the turf. He just walked to the locker room. pic.twitter.com/v8rsjHnbOH
— Mike Cugno (@MikeCugnoCBS4) September 25, 2022
The NFLPA is launching an investigation into how the Dolphins handled Tua Tagovailoa’s concussion check via @TomPelissero pic.twitter.com/V52egLNnxc
— Palace Sports (@ThePalaceSports) September 25, 2022
Four days later, Tagovailoa suffered a concussion against Cincinnati, forcing him to miss two games. On the Thursday afternoon before the game, Nowinski tweeted:
If Tua takes the field tonight, it's a massive step back for #concussion care in the NFL.
— Chris Nowinski, Ph.D. (@ChrisNowinski1) September 29, 2022
If he has a 2nd concussion that destroys his season or career, everyone involved will be sued & should lose their jobs, coaches included. We all saw it, even they must know this isn't right https://t.co/vxpaOif5rh
The day after Miami's Christmas Day game against the Packers, Miami head coach Mike McDaniel said he wasn't aware of Tagovailoa's condition until well after the game. The team and NFL botched the situation, especially considering Tagovailoa's history this season with head injuries.
This clip has made its rounds through social media today -- if he did, indeed sustain a concussion on this play, the ATC booth spotters missed it https://t.co/lSSoiE1xn7
— Marcel Louis-Jacques (@Marcel_LJ) December 26, 2022
McDaniel: "As far as I know, he displayed symptoms and they enacted the protocol"
— Marcel Louis-Jacques (@Marcel_LJ) December 26, 2022
Said he only found out about it a couple hours ago https://t.co/DF9QoDWUm2
On Wednesday, McDaniel said the team will play backup Teddy Bridgewater at QB on Sunday and that medical professionals have sounded the alarm on how seriously the organization needs to take Tagovailoa's health.
McDaniel said he’s been advised by medical professionals that “it’s critical Tua worries about the day he’s in and nothing else”
— Marcel Louis-Jacques (@Marcel_LJ) December 28, 2022
As McCoy noted, this is a complicated conversation.
Tagovailoa was the fifth overall draft pick in the 2020 NFL draft and hit his stride this season. The franchise built a strong roster around him. If he retired, the decision would reverberate for years. Look at the Indianapolis Colts since Andrew Luck's early retirement to see what that type of decision can do to a franchise.
But Tagovailoa's long-term health is far more important than the Dolphins experiencing a few more lean years.
No one questions Tagovailoa's commitment to football, but there comes a time when athletes must make difficult decisions about their health. Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly retired at 28 following a history of concussions.
"It makes me sad because I love playing this game -- I've played it since I was a kid. It's my favorite thing in the world to do," Kuechly said upon his retirement. (h/t ESPN.com)
As hard as it would be to see Tagovailoa give up the sport, it would be even harder to see him take any more hits to the head.
For his sake, Tagovailoa should consider retirement.
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