Tua Tagovailoa Injury: Dolphins To Start Teddy Bridgewater After Concussion Diagnosis

The Dolphins placed quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in the concussion protocol for the second time this season after he reportedly self-reported concussion symptoms on Monday. 

Tagovailoa appeared to suffer two concussions in four days earlier this season that initially spurred increased focus on the league's concussion protocol. 

His recent concussion has brought out current and former players who have expressed concern for Tagovailoa, several of whom have suggested that he sit for the rest of the season.

The apparent traumatic brain injury once again raises questions about the concussion protocol as a whole and about the Dolphins' handling of Tagovailoa's health and safety, according to the Pro Football Docs.

There are three major questions to ask the NFL and the Miami Dolphins to examine what went wrong during the process:

1. Did an ATC spotter see the potential play? If not, was it because of human error, bad positioning, etc.? And why was it spotted by fans at home but not the spotter?

2. Was he checked during the game or at halftime? If so, was he cleared? If not, why? 

3. What was the progression of the symptoms, when was he examined, and did the Dolphins place him in the protocol for the symptoms or out of an abundance of caution?

Chris Nowinski, Ph.D.

@ChrisNowinski1

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Sadly, it happened. Tua Tagovailoa is in the #concussion protocol after reporting symptoms today, likely from this play in Q2 ⬇️. Missed by team again, despite poor play & 3 INT's after. 3rd concussion of season-no doctor in their right mind can clear him this year. Season over.

Watch on X

Chris Nowinski, Ph.D.

@ChrisNowinski1

If Tua takes the field tonight, it's a massive step back for #concussion care in the NFL. If he has a 2nd concussion that destroys his season or career, everyone involved will be sued & should lose their jobs, coaches included. We all saw it, even they must know this isn't right

12:01 AM · Dec 27, 2022

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Ian Rapoport reported that Tagovailoa came to the team doctors on Monday when he felt symptoms the day after his head bounced off the field late in the second quarter. 

In Week 5, quarterback Teddy Bridgewater was removed from the game and placed in the concussion protocol when he was spotted displaying ataxia after a hit in the first quarter. 

This came the week after the franchise faced criticism for their handling of Tagovailoa following his gruesome concussion and fencing response on Thursday Night Football.

The star will miss the Dolphins next matchup versus the New England Patriots