Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa of the Miami Dolphins (2-4) practiced Wednesday for the first time since suffering a concussion in the second week of the season. He hopes to be able to start Sunday’s game against Arizona.
Tagovailoa still needs to progress through the final stages of the NFL’s concussion protocol for him to get the green light.
“I feel really good about the way he’s attacked the process and the way he’s done so far,” coach Mike McDaniel said before Wednesday’s practice. We hope that he will have a few days in training so that he no longer has any problems and is allowed to play. »
Tagovailoa has met with numerous medical experts specializing in brain and head injuries since being diagnosed with the third concussion of his NFL career on September 12, after a collision with Buffalo Bills defensive back Damar Hamlin . Experts have deemed it safe for him to return to football, McDaniel added Monday.
Tagovailoa said he will not wear a Guardian Cap — the protective soft-shell helmet cover that players can wear as an option — saying it is a “personal choice.” Tagovailoa already wears a quarterback-specific helmet designed to help reduce head injuries.
Tagovailoa suffered two concussions in 2022 – the last of which briefly knocked him out – and suffered a third hard hit to the head that was not diagnosed as a concussion.
The fifth-year quarterback is aware that those hits sparked numerous debates about his health and led to changes in the NFL’s concussion protocol. Since his last injury, many have questioned the need for him to continue playing football.
“I appreciate your concern, I really do,” Tagovailoa said. I love this game, and I will love it until I die, that’s all. »
Tagovailoa didn’t say whether this latest concussion will completely change the way he approaches the game, but he said he has to “be smart.”
