Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa celebrated with his team as the Dolphins clinched a playoff spot with their victory over the New York Jets.
Tagovailoa is currently in concussion protocol and did not play for the Dolphins on Sunday. Rookie quarterback Skylar Thompson started in Tagovailoa’s place. Although he did not throw any touchdowns, Thompson still helped lead the team to a 11-6 victory over the jets.
WPBF25 News filmed Tagovailoa congratulating his teammates as they headed down the tunnel after the game. He and Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert, who is also injured, were pictured celebrating the win together.
Although Tagovailoa could not play today, his performances, especially during the first half of the season, have helped the Dolphins earn a spot in the playoffs. In November, many fans and analysts believed he could potentially be an MVP candidate.
Unfortunately, Tagovailoa’s head injuries were also a major talking point of his season. On Thursday, September 28, Tagovailoa left the team’s game against the Bengals after taking a hard hit. Video footage showed his fingers locking up after he hit the ground, a response that is often the sign of a head injury. Four days prior to that game he had briefly left the game against the Bills after hitting his head.
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Tagovailoa’s injuries prompted the NFL to consider making changes to its current concussion protocol. As the Dolphins, head into the playoffs fans and former players have questioned whether Tagovailoa should continue playing.
Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniels said in a press conference that the focus is making sure Tagovailoa is fully ready to play with medical clearance.
“We’ll continue to take it day by day and I will not even think about any sort of game, whether that’s this year or next year, until he’s fully ready to do so, and that comes with medical clearance. That’s why the procedure is in place. Haven’t even thought about that,” he said, according to a transcript of the press conference provided by the Miami Dolphins.
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