Tua Tagovailoa’s Week 4 ends early after being stretched off with head and neck injuries after a horrific second-quarter blow in Dolphins’ eventual 27-15 loss to Bengals thursday night football.
After the game, Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel explained the decision to play, and he was listed as a problem player with a back injury and was officially cleared to play two hours before kickoff. McDaniel first followed up with the team’s encouraging update on the quarterback’s status, telling reporters that Tagovailoa is in a concussion but has been cleared to return with the team.
McDaniel then explained why Tagovailoa was allowed to play despite lingering health concerns surrounding him, saying his injury Tumor necrosis factor Not related to the previous question. The first-year coach responded to a question asking if he could “express with 100% certainty” that the 24-year-old didn’t suffer a concussion after hitting his head in a tackle with Beal in Week 3; He stumbled while jogging before the race but was eventually allowed to return, although he later said his withdrawal was due to a back injury.
“Yeah, otherwise, we’d report him with a head injury. That’s why the NFL has these protocols,” McDaniel said. Via Will Manso of WPLG Local 10 News“There’s an independent expert specializing in brain matter, so for me, as long as I’m coaching here, I’m not going to fudge the whole situation. If someone is predisposed to concussions, they’re going into very strict concussion protocols. .
“People don’t change or get lost and we don’t screw that up. Never. And, as long as I’m the head coach, it’s never something you guys need to worry about.”
McDaniel’s comments have added to the discussion surrounding Tagovaloa’s health in the four days since Miami’s matchup with Buffalo. The NFL Players Association launched an investigation Sunday into the Dolphins’ handling of the QB’s concussion checks, which is still ongoing.
The NFLPA also issued a statement Thursday night expressing concern about what happened.
“The health and safety of players is at the heart of the union’s mission,” NFLPA tweeted“Our concern tonight is Tua and we hope for a full and speedy recovery. We are conducting an investigation into a potential protocol breach.”
More NFL coverage:
For more coverage of the Miami Dolphins, visit all dolphins.