Tua Tagovailoa

Sunday Night Football in Miami began with "Tua" chants ringing throughout Hard Rock Stadium. Despite turning in a shaky performance, Tua Tagovailoa's triumphant return helped snap the Miami Dolphins' three-game losing streak.

Tagovailoa just taking the field became a step in the right direction after what the 24-year-old endured during the third and fourth weeks of the season.

Some might even say his return came too soon after the signal-caller entered a fencing response position when thrown to the ground and was subsequently carted off the field against the Cincinnati Bengals.

"I wouldn't say it was scary for me at the time because there was a point where I was unconscious, so I couldn't really tell what was going on," Tagovailoa told reporters 20 days after suffering the concussion.

The incident, especially after the quarterback seemingly suffered head trauma during the previous week's play against the Buffalo Bills, helped spark positive change throughout the league.
The NFL and NFLPA agreed to update concussion protocols after an investigation into the handling of Tagovailoa's assessment. Any player who now shows signs of ataxia (or lack of coordination caused by poor muscle control) will be immediately removed from the game.

Despite the scary situation, the Dolphins' starting quarterback was eventually going to take the field again. Officially, a team of doctors cleared Tagovailoa from the concussion protocol on Oct. 15, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. He practiced this week to resume his role.

"Just to have him back out there, his energy, his leadership, the way that he's able to have fun playing this game throughout it all, man, it's just amazing," wide receiver Tyreek Hill said Friday. "It's always fun to have your brother back out there on the field."

Tagovailoa helped lead Miami to a 16-10 victory Sunday over the Pittsburgh Steelers in a performance that wasn't always pretty. In fact, he made some downright terrible throws throughout the night. But the Dolphins seemingly have a solid plan to keep their quarterback upright and eventually take advantage of all the weapons on offense.

The first drive of the night showed exactly how Mike McDaniel's offense can operate with its starter behind center while still making sure Tagovailoa isn't consistently placed in harm's way.

Prior to the start of the game, NBC's Melissa Stark reported that the quarterback told her he needed to get the ball out of his hand quickly and throw it away when nothing is available. Those changes sort of happened.

Miami upped the tempo to open the contest with a heavy reliance on quick hitters, run-pass options and play-action throws over the middle of the field. It worked well to start. In fact, Tagovailoa's average time to throw on the night (2.38 seconds) turned into the fifth-quickest of his career, according to NFL Next Gen Stats.

Ultimately, Tagovailoa made a smart decision during his eight-yard touchdown pass to running back Raheem Mostert.

.@Tua scrambles and finds @RMos_8Ball for 6!

Perfect opening drive for the @MiamiDolphins.

📺: #PITvsMIA on NBC
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/vDQGJ9SfCd pic.twitter.com/KO46xWblMB

— NFL (@NFL) October 24, 2022

As Tagovailoa climbed the pocket, he had two options: He could either run the ball in an attempt to gain a first down or flip the ball to Mostert out in the flat. The third-year quarterback ended up making the right decision.

A good start gave way to multiple poor decisions, starting with the second drive when Tagovailoa decided to lower his shoulder into linebacker Devin Bush while attempting to get a first down. He did so again later in the contest, and everyone in the stadium and those watching at home held their collective breath.

"I could see the first-down marker. They were close calls," Tagovailoa told reporters after the game. "I wasn't trying to be Superman. I was just looking at the situation."

McDaniel added what his quarterback said to him afterward, "Coach, I'm sorry, I needed that."

Eventually, all quarterbacks take hits. Even in today's game, when the position is protected at all costs, they will still receive a pounding. It's all about limiting the damage.

A quicker pace, fast reads, getting the ball out quickly and trying to establish the run every week certainly help. The quarterback still needs to do his job when called upon.

Ill-advised runs by Tagovailoa aside, his overall accuracy left much to be desired.

The quarterback didn't get into much of a rhythm most of the night. Numerous throws were a tad behind his targets when they were available for completions. Four passes could have turned into interceptions if Steelers defenders hung onto the ball.

They didn't, though, and in the end, they'll be registered as simple incompletions. But Tagovailoa must clean up his play in order for his team to legitimately compete on a week-by-week basis.

"The defense gets us stops, the offense goes and puts points on the board, and the defense can help put points on the board, as well as special teams. So for me, I just look at it as coming into this week and just be myself. Don't try to force anything. Don't try to make plays that aren't there—just give our playmakers the ball and let them go to work."

Granted, the quarterback forced some things. Still, the outcome came courtesy of the Dolphins picking off Kenny Pickett in each of Pittsburgh's final two offensive series. Miami's defenders didn't drop the ball, which secured the victory.

Adjustments must be made in the coming weeks. The playbook must expand so opposing defenses can't constrict the field. Despite all of the speed the Dolphins feature in Hill and Jaylen Waddle on the outside, the dynamic duo can be negated to a degree if the emphasis is solely on getting the ball out as quickly as possible.

Deep threats are a big part of the potential found in the Dolphins' offense. They weren't readily apparent Sunday. Tagovailoa's longest throw went 32 yards to Trent Sherfield.

Nonetheless, the coaching staff took the smart approach with its quarterback. Multiple elements used Sunday must continue, with wrinkles continually added to get everyone involved and humming at full capacity.

"We should be scoring more points than we are," McDaniel admitted. "Everyone on the team would agree with that. There's not fairy dust to sprinkle. We have to identify and address the hiccups."

Then, the chants for Tagovailoa won't center on a return to the field. While those were great to hear after what the quarterback experienced, they'll be deserved based on the on-field product as the Dolphins battle their way through the rugged AFC East, with all four teams currently .500 or better.

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Brent Sobleski covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter, @brentsobleski.

Miami Dolphins star Tua Tagovailoa briefly lost consciousness following the hit that left him with a concussion in a 27-15 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.

Speaking with reporters Wednesday, the third-year quarterback recounted the moment and said his memory of the night is hazy:

Tua Tagovailoa of experiencing the concussion: "I wouldn't say it was scary for me at the time because there was a point where I was unconscious. I couldn't tell what was going on."

He remembers up to the point where he got tackled, doesn't remember stretcher, etc.

— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) October 19, 2022

There was a point I was unconscious. I remember the entire night up until the point I got tackled. I don’t remember being carted off. I do remember some things from the ambulance and the hospital. - Tua pic.twitter.com/TgImx1G9Ls

— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) October 19, 2022

Bengals defensive tackle Josh Tupou sacked Tagovailoa in the second quarter of the game, with Tagovailoa's head hitting the turf. He was eventually placed into an ambulance and transported to a local hospital.

Whether the Miami signal-caller should've been playing in the first place became part of the conversation as well.

Days earlier in a 21-19 win over the Buffalo Bills, there was a moment when Tagovailoa struggled to get to his feet after a hit. The Dolphins initially said he was questionable to return with a head injury but said later he was experiencing ankle and back issues.

A joint investigation by the NFL and NFL Players Association didn't find any violations of the league's concussion protocols. Still, the two sides agreed to tweak the protocols since "the outcome in this case was not what was intended."

There were also reportedly "several mistakes" by the unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant who helped clear Tagovailoa to return against the Bills, according to Marcel Louis-Jacques of ESPN, and the players union unilaterally fired the consultant.

Tagovailoa missed Miami's last two games, both of which were defeats for the Dolphins as they carry a three-game losing streak into Week 7 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the team should have its starting quarterback Sunday after he exited the NFL's concussion protocols.

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has been ruled out for the Week 6 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings, head coach Mike McDaniel told reporters Wednesday.

"I don't see a scenario. ... I don't see him being active. And I do not plan to have him play," McDaniel said.

Rookie Skylar Thompson is expected to get the start. If Teddy Bridgewater is cleared to play, he will likely back up Thompson, McDaniel added.

Tagovailoa has missed one game since suffering a concussion on a scary hit that sent him to the hospital in a Week 4 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. It came just four days after he exhibited concussion-like symptoms in a Week 3 matchup against the Buffalo Bills but was allowed to return to the game.

An investigation into the handling of Tagovailoa's injuries resulted in the NFL's decision to make changes to its concussion protocol.

Before being sidelined, Tagovailoa completed 69.6 percent of his passes for 1,035 yards and eight touchdowns against three interceptions, in addition to rushing for a score. He had the Dolphins atop the AFC East and looked like a breakout candidate.

With Tagovailoa out, Bridgewater filled in as Miami's starting quarterback. However, he also entered concussion protocol in Sunday's loss to the New York Jets and was replaced by Thompson.

The Dolphins are 3-2 on the season, third place in the AFC East. Their playoff hopes likely hinge on Tagovailoa's health.

The NFL and NFLPA are in agreement that concussion protocols were properly applied in regard to Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa during his team's 21-19 win over the Buffalo Bills on Sept. 25.

However, the league and players' union agreed that the protocols needed modifying, specifically stating that "the outcome in this case is not what was intended when the protocols were drafted."

Tom Pelissero of NFL Network relayed the entire statement:

The NFL and NFLPA announce they agree concussion protocols were properly applied with Tua Tagovailoa on Sept. 25, but that those protocols — now modified — were insufficient. Joint statement: pic.twitter.com/Eo2OkaAvGj

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 8, 2022

NFL.com recapped the scene that took place in the Bills game, in which Tagovailoa was seen stumbling to the ground before exiting the game and then returning.

"Tagovailoa briefly exited the Sept. 25 game against Buffalo in the first half with what the team initially announced as a head injury he sustained following a hit from linebacker Matt Milano, who was flagged for roughing the passer on the play. Once getting up on his feet, Tagovailoa shook his head and stumbled as he began to trot forward before getting taken out of the game. Tagovailoa later returned to play following halftime."

Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel told reporters postgame that Tagovailoa was dealing with back and ankle injuries. The quarterback said his back "locked up" on him, and that's what caused the fall.

As noted by Pelissero, the report itself states that the quarterback "did not report or exhibit any signs or symptoms of concussion during his locker room exam, during the remainder of the game, or throughout the following week."

However, the doctors did not examine Tagovailoa's back during the concussion test and instead relied on earlier tests for those results.

Modifications to the protocols now include players being taken out for signs of ataxia, per the report (h/t Pelissero).

"(T)he term 'ataxia' has been added to the mandatory 'no-go' symptoms," the report states. "'Ataxia' is defined as abnormality of balance/stability, motor coordination or dysfunctional speech caused by a neurological issue."

NFL Chief Medical Officer Dr. Allen Sills said Tagovailoa would not have been allowed back into the Bills game under the revised protocols.

Dr. Allen Sills, CMO of the NFL, says that under the adjusted protocol, which now includes ataxia as an automatic no-go, Tua would not have been allowed to return to the game.

— Judy Battista (@judybattista) October 8, 2022

Tagovailoa was cleared to play four days after the Bills game for a road matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals. He left that game with a concussion and a neck injury after his head hit the turf following a sack.

Tagovailoa has already been ruled out for his team's matchup with the New York Jets on Sunday. Teddy Bridgewater will start in his place.

Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said on Friday quarterback Tua Tagovailoa remains in the NFL's concussion protocol and won't travel with the team for Sunday's Week 5 road game against the New York Jets.

McDaniel added the third-year QB has been "seeing several outside specialists" during his recovery but there are no imminent plans to place him on injured reserve, which would require a minimum of a four-game absence.

Tagovailoa was carted off the field in the team's Week 4 win against the Cincinnati Bengals after suffering a concussion.

His head injury raised red flags after appearing to display symptoms in the team's previous game against the Buffalo Bills. He remained in that game and started for the Dolphins four days later.

The situation led to an investigation by the NFL and NFLPA, while the two sides agreed to rule changes to the concussion protocol.

Tagovailoa, 24, was initially taken to the hospital after the Bengals game, but he was released later that night and provided a positive update on his Twitter account:

Appreciate all the support! 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/jWBYyvbbwg

— Tua. T 🇦🇸 (@Tua) September 30, 2022

The quarterback was previously ruled out of the Week 5 game against the Jets and there doesn't appear to be a timeline for his return.

Teddy Bridgewater will remain the Dolphins' starting quarterback with Tagovailoa unavailable. The veteran is one of the league's most experienced backups, entering the year with 63 starts across four different franchises, including 14 with the Denver Broncos last season.

In two appearances this year with the Dolphins, Bridgewater has 193 passing yards, one touchdown and one interception on 25 passing attempts.

Rookie Skylar Thompson will take over the backup role.

The Miami Dolphins are still facing criticism for their handling of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa after he suffered an apparent head injury against the Buffalo Bills on Sept. 25 and a concussion against Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 29.

However, Miami head coach Mike McDaniel isn't letting people's opinions keep him up at night.

"Everything's reactionary anyway," he said Wednesday, per ESPN's Marcel Louis-Jacques. "So if people want to [give their opinion], whatever."

Many ripped the Dolphins for allowing Tagovailoa to play against the Cincinnati Bengals just four days after his apparent head injury against the Bills. In the second quarter against Cincinnati, Tagovailoa was stretchered off the field after hitting his head on the turf when he was sacked. He was motionless on the field for quite some time in a scary scene.

McDaniel said it would be "crumbling" to him if the criticisms were coming from within the Miami organization, but he doesn't concern himself with what outside voices have to say.

"If I'm spending time thinking about that, let's say Monday night for five seconds—that's five seconds that I'm not thinking about all the other things that relate to the team and the upcoming game," he said.

The Dolphins are under investigation by the NFL and NFLPA over how they handled Tagovailoa's head injury. The team said he cleared concussion protocol at halftime prior to returning to the game against Buffalo, and later said it was a back injury that caused him to stumble to the ground. After his injury against Cincinnati, the 24-year-old was examined in a hospital before being allowed to travel back to Miami with the team.

McDaniel maintains that there were no indications that Tagovailoa had any concussion symptoms leading up to the Bengals game.

"I'm in steady communication with this guy day in and day out," McDaniel said. "We're talking about high-level football conversations about progressions and defenses and recalling stuff from two weeks previous and then him having to reiterate a 15-word play call. All things, absolutely no signs. There was no medical indication, from all resources, that there was anything regarding the head."

Tagovailoa has already been ruled out for Sunday's game against the New York Jets. Veteran backup Teddy Bridgewater will start in his place. McDaniel said there is no timetable for Tagovailoa's return while he's in concussion protocol.