REPORTS: Mistake in Evaluating Tua Tagovailoa’s Injury Leads to Consultant Getting Fired From His Job for Clearing the QB Against the Bills Among “Several Mistakes”

The Tua Tagovailoa incident has revived player safety talks in the league. NFLPA has framed extra measures for a better result. The league had to take action against the unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant involved in clearing Tua. As per reports, he made “several mistakes”. However, there is no confirmation if the doctor performed the QB follow-up evaluations. 

The 24-year-old suffered a scary injury on Thursday night while playing against the Bengals. Tagovailoa’s injury invited concerned reactions. Fans and analysts ask how the QB got permission to play. Earlier, he suffered a concussion. 

What happened to Tua Tagovailoa against the Bills?

Tagovailoa hit the back of his head during the game against the Bills. He stumbled as he tried to return to the huddle. Tua was taken to the locker room. The Hawaii-born tested for a concussion. However, he later returned to the game. The talented QB passed the evaluation. This put a question mark on the consultant as per the NFLPA. The doctor was interviewed on Friday. His career suffered an enormous setback. 

Miami initially listed him as questionable for the Cincinnati clash. This was after the head injury. However, they say he suffered a back injury, which caused him to stumble against the Bills. Meanwhile, the NFL Players Association kick-started an investigation on the entire issue. 

Tua incident is a learning lesson to deal with player injuries

Tua incident has made the NFL world pray for his safety. Several stars, including Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes, wished him a speedy recovery. Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said they followed the league process. He added the QB was cleared by an independent neurologist. Meanwhile, the quarterback remains in concussion protocol. There’s no timetable for his return. 

Read More: “I don’t remember anything until I woke up in the hospital”: After Tua Tagovailoa’s Chilling Head Injury, Back up Dolphins QB Comments on His Own Concussion Struggles

Tua’s issue pinpoints the increased need for player safety. It reflects the need to perform ‘follow-up’ evaluations during injuries. The NFLPA will have to develop new methods to ensure a safer environment. They cannot afford “several mistakes” with the safety of their players. As a result, the neurotrauma consultant involved in Tagovailoa’s case got fired.

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