Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa in Concussion Protocol After Hard Hit
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The Cincinnati Bengals' 27-15 win over the Miami Dolphins was overshadowed by the health and concern of Miami quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. During the second quarter of Thursday’s game, Tagovailoa was slammed to the turf, suffering head and neck injuries. He would be stretchered off the field, raising concern across the NFL.
The Amazon broadcast reported Tagovailoa was conscious with movement in all of his extremities and that he was transported to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center to be evaluated further. It was later reported Tagovalioa would fly back with the team, which Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel later confirmed in his postgame press conference.
“It was a scary moment,” McDaniel said. “He was evaluated for a concussion and he’s in the concussion protocol. He was at the hospital; I believe he’s about to get discharged. That was an emotional moment. That is not part of the deal that anyone signs up for even though you know it’s a possibility in football to have something that you have to get taken off in a stretcher. All of his teammates, myself, we’re all very concerned. The best news that we could get is that everything is checked out, that he didn’t have anything more serious than a concussion. He’ll be flying back with us here on the plane.”
The Dolphins medical staff was under scrutiny for Tagovalioa’s injury based on what happened in Sunday’s win against the Buffalo Bills. Tagovailoa appeared disoriented after a play and struggled to maintain his balance but managed to return to that contest, despite showing concussion-like symptoms. The team insisted Tagovailoa did not have a concussion but was dealing with back and ankle injuries. Still, the NFL Players Association launched an investigation to determine whether concussion protocols were properly followed.
“Player health and safety is at the core of the union’s mission,” the NFLPA tweeted out. “Our concern tonight is for Tua, and we hope for a full and speedy recovery. Our investigation into the potential protocol violation is ongoing.”
Teddy Bridgewater Takes Over For Miami
Bridgewater came in to run the offense after Tagovailoa left the game. The results were so-so. Bridgewater completed 14 of 23 passes for 193 yards and a touchdown, including a 7-yard shovel pass to Chase Edmunds for the lone touchdown on the night, capping off a nine-play, 75-yard drive to end the first half.
But Bridgewater also threw the game-deciding interception in the fourth quarter, when a miscommunication with tight end Mike Gesicki allowed Cincinnati’s Vonn Bell to come up with the turnover and set up another Bengals touchdown.
“Tough loss tonight, man,” Bridgewater said. “It was tough walking away from a game like tonight, especially given the circumstances. Obviously, seeing Tua (Tagovailoa), and hearing the news from Coach about Tua, we’re looking forward to just seeing him, and flying back home, and using these next few days to learn and grow from these first four games.”
Dolphins First Loss Overall, and ATS
Thursday was the first loss for the Dolphins and was also the first time they failed to cover the spread. Miami was 3-0 and one of the most profitable teams to back before Thursday but did not cover +4.
With the loss, Miami’s Super Bowl odds dipped slightly from +1800 to +2000.
The team was +4000 before the season but has surged after the 3-1 start.
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