An inquiry by the NFL and NFL Players Association discovered no violations of league protocol regarding Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s latest concussion.
“The joint review determined the protocol was not triggered,” read an NFL-NFLPA statement issued Saturday.
“The protocol is initiated when a player receives an impact to the head and exhibits or reports signs or symptoms suggestive of a concussion. The review established that symptoms of a concussion were neither exhibited nor reported until the following day at which time the team medical personnel appropriately evaluated and placed Mr. Tagovailoa in the concussion protocol.”
Tagovailoa was never removed from last Sunday’s 26-20 loss to the Green Bay Packers. He completed 16 of 25 passes for 310 yards with one touchdown, however he also threw three fourth-quarter interceptions.
Head coach Mike McDaniel said he became concerned with Tagovailoa’s health after watching film of the loss. At that point, the team pushed Tagovailoa to meet with team doctors.
Tagovailoa, 24, was ruled out for Sunday’s game between the Dolphins (8-7) and host New England Patriots (7-8). Teddy Bridgewater gets the start as Miami attempts to snap a four-game losing streak and remain in the hunt for an AFC wild-card spot.
Tagovailoa also sustained a concussion in a Week 4 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. He sat out the next two games.
The NFL-NFLPA also investigated that incident, which prompted changes to the protocol. The term “ataxia” was added to the list of mandatory “no-go” symptoms. Ataxia is defined as an abnormality of balance or stability, motor coordination or dysfunctional speech caused by a neurological issue.
Tagovailoa has completed 64.8 percent of his passes for 3,548 yards with 25 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 13 starts (8-5 record) this season.
–Field Level Media