NFLPA investigating Tua Tagovailoa’s injury, why he was allowed back into Dolphins-Bills
By Scott Rogust
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.
Under the 2020 CBA, the NFLPA, NFL Management Council or any player has the right (independently or collectively) to bring forward a complaint about an alleged failure to follow concussion protocol, to be investigated and resolved by the union and management council.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 25, 2022
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.
Tua said in postgame press conference he hyperextended his lower back on the previous play. When he took the hit in question, he says he hit his back then his head — but added that his back was reason he fell down. https://t.co/wRLuPHIHyG
— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) September 25, 2022
Mike McDaniel said Tua Tagovailoa’s legs were wobbly because his lower back loosened. Mentioned it happened on QB sneak earlier in the game.
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) September 25, 2022
McDaniel noted Tua said his lower back was like Gumpy.
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.
NFL-NFLPA concussion protocol says gross motor instability means a player cannot return to the game if "(d)etermined by team physician, in consultation
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 25, 2022
with the UNC (unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant), to be neurologically caused."
In this case, doctors determined it was not. https://t.co/rNd5y9qMwV
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.
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