The NFL announced Wednesday it’s launching a joint investigation with the Player’s Association into the handling of Tua Tagovailoa under the league’s concussion protocol, reported USA Today.
As AsAmNews reported on Tuesday, the Miami Dolphin quarterback complained of concussion symptoms on Monday after throwing three interceptions in a loss against the Green Bay Packers the day before.
It’s believed he may have been injured in the second quarter of that game despite going on to play the entire game.
“We welcome that review,” NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy stated to USA TODAY Sports, “and as we have done previously, we will report the results in conjunction with the NFLPA.”
This is the second time the Dolphins have been questioned about its handling of Tagovailoa’s injuries. The League announced an investigation following the Dolphin’s game against Cincinnati when the quarterback was hospitalized after taking a hard hit. Four days earlier he had taken a blow against the Bills but the team allowed him to continue playing.
Both the NFL and the Player’s Association ruled that the Dolphins followed proper procedures after the first investigation, reported Sports Illustrated.
“What our spotters and our unaffiliated neuro doctors are looking for is any blow that transmits force to the head or neck area, followed by that injury behavior,” Dr. Allen Sills, the NFL’s chief medical officer told NFL Media’s Judy Battista this week, according to CBS. “There are many blows to the head that occur during a game. We are always looking for the blow plus the injury behavior, and obviously, if we see any injury behavior, then there’s a call down made to evaluate that player.”
With just two games left in the regular season, its not known whether Tagovailoa will be able to return. Coach Mike McDaniel declined to say. Before being cleared to return, Tagovailoa must go through a five-step return to play protocol.
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