John Harbaugh calls out Dolphins for mishandling Tua Tagovailoa situation
By Rylie Smith
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa had a scary medical episode during Thursday’s game, and John Harbaugh spoke on it.
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered a scary medical episode during Thursday’s game after being sacked. He also was on the receiving end of a hard tackle in Sunday’s game and appeared unwell following it, unable to stand on his own. He was temporarily taken out of the game on Sunday, but most believe he should’ve been kept out and monitored much longer.
Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh is concerned about the Dolphins’ mishandling of Tagovailoa’s injury, and he didn’t hold back his thoughts during a press conference.
Harbaugh stated that he “couldn’t believe what saw” and that he’s “never seen anything like it before.”
Each injury was undoubtedly concerning, and Tagovailoa shouldn’t have been allowed to play after the first initial fall.
Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa should’ve been kept out after his injury on Sunday
Tagovailoa was tackled on Sunday and fell hard on his head. He stood up looking dazed and unable to walk properly, and it was certainly a sight to be concerned about. He was taken out of the game, luckily able to walk on his own eventually. He later re-joined the game and shocked many, but he played well and appeared to be in good health considering the circumstances until Thursday.
The NFL and Dolphins claim to have followed all concussion protocols following Sunday’s injury, according to Yahoo Sports.
Vice president of communications Jeff Miller stated, “Every indication from our perspective is that it was [followed]. I know that the player, the coach and others have spoken to this.”
However, the severity of Thursday’s injury seems to say otherwise. Following the tackle, Tagovailoa appeared unconscious and his arms and fingers were involuntarily flexing with a “fencing response,” which is a sign of a brain injury.
Tagovailoa was taken off the field on a stretcher and immediately brought to the hospital. He was since released and reportedly in “good spirits,” according to ESPN. He flew back to Florida with the team, and it’s unclear exactly what happened or what the future will hold.
Hopefully, Tagovailoa will be alright after such a scary injury.