Former Ravens LB issues warning to Dolphins with Tua Tagovailoa once again in concussion protocol
Tua Tagovailoa has suffered multiple head injuries this season, and it doesn't appear that the NFL or the Miami Dolphins are all that concerned by it. They played him on a short week after suffering a head injury, which led to a second one that forced him to be taken to the hospital mid-game.
He suffered another concussion in last week's Christmas Day implosion against the Green Bay Packers but played the rest of the game anyway. After multiple serious head traumas this season, his future is suddenly in jeopardy.
Many former players and media members have expressed serious concerns, and former linebacker Bart Scott is the latest to do so. He said on ESPN:
"I have major concerns about this kid's future. I know why he's playing... We all play for that second contract, to take care of our families. But I have major concerns, about his health from being slightly built."
Many have said the Dolphins need to shut him down for the rest of the season, something Scott mentioned as well:
"I have major concerns if he should play for the rest of the season. This is his third concussion. We watched Troy Aikman, we hear all the stories about all the guys that are struggling well into their 40s and 50s."
He continued:
"They have to figure out a way how not to expose this kid and he has to figure out a way to protect himself because I worry about his future in the NFL."
Many NFL players have been forced to retire due to concussions, and Tagovailoa appears headed down that path as well.
Should Tua Tagovailoa play again this season?
The Miami Dolphins are at a frustrating crossroads with Tua Tagovailoa. They are in the thick of the AFC Wild Card race and could make a run in the postseason, but they cannot afford to harm their quarterback further.
It's not just a conundrum for right now but also for the future. Tagovailoa is under contract next year and he's the quarterback they want for the future. If he continues to suffer concussions, that might not be the case.
It will hurt them in the short term but Miami may have to rest him for the remainder of the season.