Tagovailoa, who started Thursday’s game against the Bengals, took another hit late in the second quarter, hitting his head on the turf and showing clear signs of a concussion. He left the venue on a cart and was taken to a hospital in Cincinnati. After the game, the Dolphins said Tagovailoa would be released to return to southern Florida with the team.
Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III retweeted a video of Tagovailoa’s blow to the Bills and said the Dolphins “will have to answer” their decision to start him Thursday .
Former NFL offensive lineman Rich Ohrnberger took note of the head injury he suffered during his career and said he was glad the decision on whether he should return to the field quickly was out of his hands.
A big thank you to the Patriots coaches/medics today for the way they handled my concussion in 2011.
I got up and they took it seriously and I spent a year on IR. They rescued me from their own hands. If they let me, I’ll rush back. they do not.
Pray for Tua.
— Rich Ohrnberger (@ohrnberger) September 30, 2022
Griffin also said it was the team’s job to protect players from further injury.
Tua is an example of how NFL teams must protect players from themselves.
Tua is also a case where NFL players need to be protected by NFL teams.— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) September 30, 2022
Former NFL linebacker Ryan Shazier, who suffered a severe spinal injury while playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers in a 2017 game in Cincinnati, said Tagovailoa was well cared for at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center.
🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 is tua. May God be with you and all the best. The staff at UC Hospital did a great job. You are in great hands. #dolphins vs bengal tigers
— Ryan Shazier (@RyanShazier) September 30, 2022
Former NFL safety Ryan Clark said he suspects the injury Tagovaloya suffered on Sunday involved more than just his back.
I didn’t buy Tua’s back injury, I’m afraid I was right. I had 2 concussions 3 weeks ago, the second was much worse than the first.
Take care of your brother. We can deceive others, but we cannot deceive ourselves.You know it if you watch the movie, and the movie doesn’t lie
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) September 30, 2022
New England Patriots linebacker Matthew Juton said Tagovaloya should be on the sidelines Thursday.
Humans are not supposed to play games. SMH. Protect yourself because some people only see you as a footballer.
— Matthew Juton (@man_dammn) September 30, 2022
Many NFL players, including Arizona Cardinals defensive end JJ Watt, were critical of Amazon’s decision to keep playing replays, especially the aftermath when Tagovailoa wriggled on the ground after being hit.
bro stop playing replay
— Hot Topic 🤷🏾♂️ (@BigTicket73) September 30, 2022
Why are you replaying this man lying on the ground… praying to you all 🙏🏾
— Dont’a Hightower (@zeus30hightower) September 30, 2022
This @MiamiDolphins Just failed Tua. How can you get him to play after last week? Especially in a short week. Shame on everyone involved.and feel ashamed @amazon Show it constantly.
— Justin Pugh (@JustinPugh) September 30, 2022