Tua Tagovailoa, quarterback for the Miami Dolphins, sustained a head and neck injury during his team’s 27-15 loss against the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday. The 24-year-old was sacked by Bengals defensive tackle Josh Topou late in the first half. On the play, he spun awkwardly and was thrown to the turf.
While on the ground, Tagovailoa appeared to display the fencing response, with his fingers frozen in front of his face. He was carted off the field and taken to University of Cincinnati Medical Center for evaluation.
The Dolphins later said he was conscious and had movement in all of his extremities. He was discharged Thursday night and flew back to Miami with the team.
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Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said that the star player had a headache Thursday night and Friday morning. He was knocked down in Week 3 by Buffalo Bills linebacker Matt Milano. However, the team let him play post halftime. NFL and National Football League Players Association launched an investigation to determine if concussion protocols were followed.
The team later said that Tua sustained a back injury. However, after his fall on Thursday, several NFL experts and fans roasted the Dolphins for letting the QB play.
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The team was waiting for results from the MRI, which McDaniel said was done out of “extra precaution” on top of the CT scans and X-rays taken the night before.
Tagovailoa thanked all players and support staff for the care since the Cincinnati game.
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“I want to thank everyone for all of their prayers and support since the game last night. It was difficult to not be able to finish the game and be there with my teammates, but I am grateful for the support and care I’ve received from the Dolphins, my friends and family, and all the people who have reached out. I’m feeling much better and focused on recovering so I can get back out on the field with my teammates,” the quarterback said.