USA Today via Reuters
Sep 29, 2022; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Josh Tupou (68) sacks Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) in the first half at Paycor Stadium. Tagovailoa sustained a head injury on the play and left the game for treatment. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Sep 29, 2022; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Josh Tupou (68) sacks Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) in the first half at Paycor Stadium. Tagovailoa sustained a head injury on the play and left the game for treatment. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
A local hospital released Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa. He suffered head and neck injuries against Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday. The 24-year-old is in good spirits after suffering his second injury. Tua’s incident raised questions about NFL’s concussion protocols.
Meanwhile, the Dolphins and coach Mike McDaniel dismissed talks of the QB being forced to play in the Bengals’ clash. The youngster sat next to the coach on the plane ride home. They watched the movie, MacGruber. The duo had a hearty laugh about the film. He also talked about the game. The 39-year-old coach’s update evoked several reactions on Twitter.
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A user said Tua should be done for the rest of the season.
If he can’t go?!?! He should, at minimum, be done for the rest of the season.
— Colton Smith (@ColtSmith18) September 30, 2022
Another user remarked these are signs of a concussion.
Symptoms of a concussion unfortunately
— Ross (@ItsnotRuss) September 30, 2022
Another fan wrote about Tagovailoa’s relationship with the coach.
HOW THE HELL CAN ANYBODY HATE THIS KID ! Also the relationship he has with McDaniel’s shows how much they are invested in eachother pic.twitter.com/X9OiMB52c2
— Peter Schmitt (@heyyooschmitty) September 30, 2022
A Dolphins fan said Tagovailoa will prove all his critics wrong.
Not as great as the Tua doc in 20 years. Kid has battled every type of adversity and he’s going to prove everyone so wrong
— slimey TU(n)A (@slimeytunafish) September 30, 2022
Another user said Tua should sit out for two weeks.
Tua should sit out 2 weeks no matter what… Bring him back vs Steelers
— Jr ☔️ 🐬 (@Juanito7221) September 30, 2022
How Tua Tagovailoa incident sparked concussion debate
In Sunday’s win over Buffalo Bills, Tagovailoa underwent concussion evaluations at the half time. He hit his head on the ground. The youngster later stumbled while returning to the huddle.
The QB was initially listed as questionable for the game. However, the team added it is the back injury that led him to stumble. They did not mention the head injury. Meanwhile, the promising star returned for the Bengals game. But he suffered a scary injury. It drew sharp reactions from NFL fans across Twitter.
A user outlines the takeaways from Tua’s incident.
Three takeaways from this. Primarily, so relieved for Tua, his teamates, and his family that the injury isn’t as severe as initially suspected. Two, love the sense of comradery between McDaniels and his players. Three, tf is Tua doing watching videos on a small screen after that
— Castle of Mounty (@4DaCulture5) September 30, 2022
A fan tweeted about Tua’s movie-watching.
100% should not be staring at a screen long enough to watch a movie if he had a concussion…
— TE1 Taytay Hill (@GagetBoy7) September 30, 2022
100% should not be staring at a screen long enough to watch a movie if he had a concussion…
— TE1 Taytay Hill (@GagetBoy7) September 30, 2022
Another fan asked to give the youngster complete rest.
Ease his back! Give him all the rest he needs. He needs to be 100% healthy and 100% confident in his health before he takes another snap. I'd rather lose every game this season without Tua than see him come back to soon and get a career ending injury
— James (@jamesmkent17) September 30, 2022
A fan wanted the coach to be shown the door.
McDaniel should be fired for this. You think this is appropriate?
— Cam Smith (@CJo200) September 30, 2022
A user said the coach is simply following what the doctors asked him.
McDaniel was not with the doctors during the game while they put tua through concussion protocol. He was coaching. All he knows is tua came out of the locker room cleared. McDaniel didn't do his own screening of Tua. He's following what the team doctors said.
— Bozios89 (@bozios89) September 30, 2022
What is next for Tua and the Dolphins?
Coach Mike McDaniel spoke about the next option if Tua does not recover by Week 5. Terry Bridgewater, who replaced the 24-year-old, will play as starting QB. NFL fans believe it is unrealistic to think the promising talent will return in two weeks.
A user said two weeks of rest will not help him.
Why? If he's cleared what does sitting out longer do? Other than make ppl feel better. If he's medically cleared more games is pointless
If the man gets slung down like that again he's going to get knocked out again. 2 more weeks won't help him
— G_O_A_T_305 (@G_O_A_T_305) September 30, 2022
Another fan said the coach is not careful enough about Tua.
McDaniel and the Dolphins medical staff will put him out there if he can stand up. They don't care, clearly
— WhenTheyMakeItHome (@WhenTheyMakeIt) September 30, 2022
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A user said NFL players should receive better treatment.
It’s sad to see normal people treating NFL players as if they aren’t people, but even NFL teams, and their management do the same.
— Melon (@VikingsMelon) September 30, 2022
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Meanwhile, the NFLPA requested a review of the concussion protocols. Several stars, including Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes, have expressed concern for Tua. The NFL world and fans hope he returns to the game smiling.
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