Sport

Tua Tagovailoa to Consult Neurologists Following Latest Concussion: What’s Next for the Dolphins Star?

2024-09-15

Tua Tagovailoa's Latest Concussion

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is scheduled to meet with neurologists early this week after suffering another concussion during his team's recent Thursday night clash against the Buffalo Bills, according to sources familiar with the situation.

Assessing The Severity

Tagovailoa aims to assess the severity of this latest concussion and consider the cumulative impact of past injuries to make an informed decision about his football career. During the game, he was involved in a play where he took a significant hit to the head after lowering his shoulder into Bills safety Damar Hamlin. This caused his helmet to collide forcefully with Hamlin's arm, an incident that left the crowd at Hard Rock Stadium gasping. Remarkably, Tagovailoa was able to walk off the field under his own power but was quickly ruled out for the remainder of the game.

A Troubling History of Injuries

This latest concussion adds to a troubling history for Tagovailoa; he was diagnosed with two concussions during the 2022 season alone and took another hit that prompted the NFL to change its concussion protocols. Over the past five years, accounting for his final year at Alabama, Tagovailoa has had four diagnosed concussions. Notably, in 2019 while playing for Alabama, he suffered a combination of a concussion, a broken nose, and a serious hip injury after a hard hit.

Dolphins Head Coach's Perspective

Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel addressed the media on Friday, emphasizing the importance of Tagovailoa's health over discussions about his potential return to the game. He urged fans and the media to prioritize Tagovailoa's well-being, stating that discussions about his future should take a backseat. "You're talking about his career -- his career is his," McDaniel stressed. He implored those who care about Tagovailoa to let him focus on recovery rather than speculating on his return or potential retirement.

Looking Ahead

As Tagovailoa navigates this challenging moment, the football community watches closely, hoping for his swift recovery. Will he be able to return to the field, or could this be a turning point in his career? Only time will tell, but for now, health takes precedence as he considers the long-term implications of his injuries. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story!