NFL says Tua Tagovailoa concussion was handled properly

For the second time this season, the NFL and the NFLPA investigated whether concussion protocol was properly carried out with Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.

The NFL issued a statement on Saturday afternoon.

“The review established that symptoms of a concussion were neither exhibited nor reported until the following day.”

On #Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa, via the NFL and NFLPA: pic.twitter.com/BtKDEQ3IjG

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 31, 2022

Tagovailoa's head hit the turf in the second quarter of last week's game, and everyone missed it. It wasn't until the game concluded that a Twitter user posted the video on social media, questioning if Tagovailoa's three interceptions were a product of his slamming his head into the turf.

Head coach Mike McDaniel said he saw the hit on film the following Monday morning and pointed Tagovailoa in the doctor's direction, where it was determined he had suffered a concussion. Tagovailoa was shortly ruled out for Week 17 when it was confirmed.

The NFL, the Dolphins, and the NFLPA all seem to do the right things in saying that no concussion symptoms were immediately present (or they're trying to cover their asses). Still, a few questions remain: Why didn't someone see this sooner and allow him to continue playing in this game? Will Tagovailoa be shut down for the season? Will Tagovailoa ever play again?

more Qb news:

• David Blough gets the nod for the Arizona Cardinals this week, making him the 64th starting quarterback for the 2022 season. After Kyler Murray tore his ACL, the Cardinals shifted between Colt McCoy, Trace McSorley, and now Blough, who has only been with the team for a couple of weeks.
  

• San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance underwent a second surgery on his injured ankle this weekend, removing hardware irritating him. Lance is expected to be ready for the 2023 off-season. As the starter? We'll see.
  

QB news: Trey Lance had a second surgery on his right ankle FRI, this one to remove hardware from the September procedure. Irritation that Lance has been feeling during rehab is believed to have been caused by the hardware’s proximity to an ankle tendon.

— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) January 1, 2023