Changes made to NFL concussion protocol following Tua Tagovailoa fallout


There has been a lot of focus across the NFL regarding the league’s concussion protocols following the incident regarding quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.

The 24-year-old from Ewa Beach, Hawaii, suffered a head injury in the game against the Buffalo Bills in Week 3 but was allowed to continue to play on and helped lead his team to a 21-19 victory against their AFC East rivals. With a short week on the schedule due to a Thursday Night Football match against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 4, he started the game but was then forced to withdraw from the field with a concussion.

According to an investigation that was launched, it is believed that the correct steps were followed, although the outcome was not what had been intended, thus forcing the NFL and the NFL Players Association to agree to changes to the protocols that are in place.

New changes to have been made

One of the changes to the protocol has included the addition of ataxia, with it being added to the list of mandatory list of symptoms that would now stop a player from being able to re-enter the game after being evaluated for a concussion.

These amendments had come into force for last week’s (Week 5) games, with Tua Tagovailoa sitting out of the defeat to one of their other AFC East rivals, the New York Jets 40-17 on Sunday as he was required to undergo further assessments.

There has been a lot of uproar around the League and fans of the NFL in regard to how the situation was handled, with many unhappy that the quarterback was allowed to be in a position to continue when it was evident that he had suffered a bad injury.

Indeed, there has been an added emphasis on player protection from the league and those to have played the game in the past regarding head injuries, with Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) injuries having been found to be suffered by players later in life. This is where they have suffered repeated blows to the head and repeated episodes of concussion.

Will Tagovailoa be ready for Week 6?

With the Miami Dolphins scheduled to play the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, October 16, in Week 6, there will be many that will be wondering whether Tagovailoa will be ready to return to the field and lead out the team.

Indeed, those who bet on NFL spreads must pay attention to the lines now, because whether the team is able to cover it could be down to whether the Hawaiian-born QB is able to play or not.

And, according to the latest updates to have been provided by Head Coach Mike McDaniel, covering the spread might be a concern with punters who like this option as they may have to look at the rookie third-string QB for the upcoming game.

Both Tagovailoa and Teddy Bridgewater remain in the concussion protocol – the latter joining him after suffering a head injury in the defeat to the Jets last week – meaning Skylar Thompson will likely get the start for Week 6. Bridgewater could return if cleared as he did not have concussion symptoms but is being evaluated as if he did due to the updated protocols, although the starting QB does appear to still be out.

McDaniel revealed that there is no definitive timeline for each of the No. 1 or No. 2 QBs at the moment, with Tagovailoa being monitored and evaluated every 12 to 24 hours at the moment. He has been seen at the team’s facility, though.

Will Miami get back to winning ways?

Regardless of who lines up as the starting quarterback in Week 6, there will be many who support the Miami Dolphins who will be hoping they can get back to winning ways after the huge defeat to the New York Jets last week.

The Vikings, though, have been incredible this season as they have managed to catapult themselves to a 4-1 record in the first five weeks, while the Dolphins are currently 3-2 through five.

It will be a tough ask for the franchise from Florida, and with two defeats having been suffered in a row (Bengals and Jets), they will want to ensure they do not slump to a third successive defeat and leave themselves in a tough position when it comes down to trying to reach the postseason.

You can view the original article HERE.

Ebertfest 2025 Announces Full Schedule, With Guests Including Francis Ford Coppola, Susan Seidelman, Rosanna Arquette, and More | Festivals & Awards
Ebertfest 2025 Announces Full Schedule, With Guests Including Francis Ford Coppola, Susan Seidelman, Rosanna Arquette, and More | Festivals & Awards
Dave Filoni Pays Emotional Tribute to Ray Stevenson
Dave Filoni Pays Emotional Tribute to Ray Stevenson
‘Blue Bloods’ Fans Were Way Too Harsh on Erin Reagan
‘Blue Bloods’ Fans Were Way Too Harsh on Erin Reagan
The Dream Within the Fairy Tale: Emilie Blichfeldt on “The Ugly Stepsister” | Interviews
The Dream Within the Fairy Tale: Emilie Blichfeldt on “The Ugly Stepsister” | Interviews
BBC delays plans to block access to BBC Sounds internationally
BBC delays plans to block access to BBC Sounds internationally
Nicola Coughlan raises over £90,000 for trans charity after Supreme Court ruling
Nicola Coughlan raises over £90,000 for trans charity after Supreme Court ruling
Diddy loses bid to delay sex trafficking and racketeering trial
Diddy loses bid to delay sex trafficking and racketeering trial
Wendy’s says they have “respect” for Katy Perry, but don’t apologise for criticising space flight
Wendy’s says they have “respect” for Katy Perry, but don’t apologise for criticising space flight
Characters of The Week: Chicago PD’s Intelligence Unit Takes a Stand, A Will Trent Double-Hitter & More!
Characters of The Week: Chicago PD’s Intelligence Unit Takes a Stand, A Will Trent Double-Hitter & More!
Dave Filoni Says Admiral Ackbar Will Fight Thrawn in ‘Ahsoka’
Dave Filoni Says Admiral Ackbar Will Fight Thrawn in ‘Ahsoka’
‘Fourth Wing’ Series Release Date, Cast, Plot and Everything We Know So Far
‘Fourth Wing’ Series Release Date, Cast, Plot and Everything We Know So Far
The 2025 Law & Order Crossover Offered One Of Benson’s Most Emotional Cases After A Pointless Death
The 2025 Law & Order Crossover Offered One Of Benson’s Most Emotional Cases After A Pointless Death
Yankees’ Chisholm suspended 1 game, fined for tweeting after ejection
Yankees’ Chisholm suspended 1 game, fined for tweeting after ejection
Rodgers ‘open to anything,’ including retirement
Rodgers ‘open to anything,’ including retirement
How Virtual Reception Services Support Patient Education Sessions
How Virtual Reception Services Support Patient Education Sessions
Report: Mavs optimistic Kyrie will return from ACL tear by January
Report: Mavs optimistic Kyrie will return from ACL tear by January
Congressman Hakeem Jeffries Sparks Debate With Bold Claim
Congressman Hakeem Jeffries Sparks Debate With Bold Claim
DeMar DeRozan Gets In Physical Altercation In Sushi Restaurant, On Video
DeMar DeRozan Gets In Physical Altercation In Sushi Restaurant, On Video
Rickey Smiley Drops Surprise Ticket Link For Mystery Event
Rickey Smiley Drops Surprise Ticket Link For Mystery Event
Ex-RHOC Star Lydia McLaughlin’s Brother Shot Dead by Cops in California
Ex-RHOC Star Lydia McLaughlin’s Brother Shot Dead by Cops in California
Inside Sofia Carson’s Tings Magazine Shoot With Brian Wolk & Claude Morais!
Inside Sofia Carson’s Tings Magazine Shoot With Brian Wolk & Claude Morais!
Zendaya Vacations With Louis Vuitton, VMAN’s Summer Star!
Zendaya Vacations With Louis Vuitton, VMAN’s Summer Star!
What to Wear to Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s Grand National Tour
What to Wear to Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s Grand National Tour
Parties, Parties, Parties! The Cinema Society Toasts “On Swift Horses” & More!
Parties, Parties, Parties! The Cinema Society Toasts “On Swift Horses” & More!