The NFL Player’s Association is launching an investigation into the Miami Dolphins over the handling of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s concussion check.
The Miami Dolphins remain undefeated through Week 3, as they held on to defeat the Buffalo Bills 21-19 by way of time expiring to prevent a game-winning field goal try by their rivals. But in the game, one of the big stories to follow was the status of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who left in the first half with a head injury. Tagovailoa was shown on camera trying to get up, but stumbling. The thing was, Tagovailoa returned for the second half.
Following the game, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that the NFL Player’s Association were launching an investigation into the Dolphins for their handling of Tagovailoa’s concussion check.
Pelissero notes that the player, NFLPA, and NFL Management Council can file a complaint about the handling of the concussion protocol, which will lead to an investigation.
NFLPA launching investigation into Dolphins’ handling of Tua Tagovailoa’s concussion check
After the game, Tagovailoa said on the play prior to the hit that resulted in him leaving the game, he hyperextended his lower back. Then on the hit in question, the quarterback said that he hit his back first, then his head, and said that the back injury is why he struggled to get up.
Head coach Mike McDaniel said in his post game presser that the back injury occurred on a quarterback sneak, which is why Tagovailoa’s legs were wobbly.
After briefly exiting the game, Pelissero notes, per the NFL-NFLPA concussion protocol, that the doctors determined that Tagovailoa’s “gross motor instability” was not neurologically caused.
In the game, Tagovailoa completed 13-of-18 pass attempts for 186 yards and one touchdown.
While the Dolphins and Tagovailoa claim that it was a back injury that forced him to leave, the NFLPA wants to know whether that was the case and that concussion protocol was followed.
