Tua Tagovailoa Ruled Out for Dolphins-Bills Game Due to Concussion
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bills due to a concussion.
Tagovailoa suffered the injury in the fourth quarter of last week's game against the Cincinnati Bengals, when was tackled hard to the ground. He was taken off the field on a stretcher and transported to a local hospital.
Tagavailoa was released from the hospital on Monday and returned to team facility on Tuesday, but he did not participate in practice.
He was listed as questionable on the team's injury report on Wednesday and Thursday.
But after further evaluation, the team decided to rule him out for Sunday's game.
Tagovailoa is expected to start the season opener against the Bills if he clears concussion protocol.
Tua Tagovailoa's Concussion History
This is the second concussion Tagovailoa has suffered in the past two months.
In Week 16 of last season, he was injured in a game against the Green Bay Packers and missed the final two games of the regular season.
Tagovailoa's concussion history has raised concerns about his long-term health.
Some experts have suggested that he may be more susceptible to future concussions.
The Dolphins have said they will be cautious with Tagovailoa going forward and will not rush him back into action.
NFL's Concussion Protocol
The NFL's concussion protocol is a five-step process that all players must go through if they are suspected of having a concussion.
The steps are:
- Removal from game
- Evaluation by team doctor
- Independent neurologist consultation
- Gradual return to activity
- Full clearance to participate
Tagovailoa is currently in step 3 of the protocol.
He will need to be cleared by an independent neurologist before he can return to practice.
If he is cleared, he will then begin a gradual return to activity, which will include non-contact drills and eventually full practices.
Once he is cleared for full contact, he will be able to play in games again.
Conclusion
Tua Tagovailoa's concussion is a reminder of the importance of player safety in the NFL.
The league has made significant changes to its concussion protocol in recent years, but there is still more that can be done to protect players from this serious injury.
The Dolphins are taking a cautious approach with Tagovailoa, and they will not rush him back into action until he is fully cleared to play.
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