Miami QB Tua Tagovailoa is back in the concussion protocol according to Head Coach Mike McDaniel. Tua is said to have had concussion like symptoms and verbally confirmed that he had them Monday following the Sunday game. A nerve-racking diagnosis for the third year QB who was at the middle of the concussion controversy earlier this year that initiated the changes to the NFL’s concussion protocol.
I watched my draft-mate, Luke Kuechly, retire at age 28 after three concussions.
Tua Tagovailoa shouldn’t play again this year, there’s no exception. #FinsUp pic.twitter.com/yXloYnlZRE
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) December 26, 2022
Many have been outspoken about the recent injury as they were following the initial decision to let him play following a week 3 hit against the Buffalo Bills and subsequent week 4 concussion injury in which he had to be taken to the hospital. The question has become how long does Tua sit out? Many have called for him to be done for the season to allow him to heal and look at his long-term health. With no concrete evidence on how long it takes a concussion (especially an individual who has had multiple) to fully recover it is hard to make a definitive decision outside of whenever he feels better and is able to make it through the full protocol without continued symptoms. Stephania Bell asked the same question and if you read through the comment section there are some heated debates on the what the "right" answer is.
For all those saying Tua shouldn’t play the rest of the year, what exactly would be your criteria for him returning…ever? I mean, why does an offseason make a difference? What’s the “right” timeframe? Since science doesn’t have a definitive answer, I’m genuinely curious.
— Stephania Bell (@Stephania_ESPN) December 27, 2022
The Miami Dolphins medical staff will undoubtedly seek multiple opinions on the matter for clarity. One thing is for sure, the organization will be closely watched by the NFL, NFLPA, and general public and have their decision scrutinized from every angle regardless of the ultimate decision.
For now, Coach McDaniel said Teddy Bridgewater will take first team snaps but the starting quarterback for this weekend against the New England Patriots has yet to be announced.
