Tua Tagovailoa back in concussion protocol three months after frightening head injury

Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has once again entered the concussion protocol.

After a miserable second half of football against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday afternoon, Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel announced on Monday that Tagovailoa would be entering the concussion protocol, putting his status in doubt for Sunday’s game against the Patriots as the team tries to advance to the playoffs. The team is unsure of when the third-year quarterback sustained the concussion.

“Nobody recognized anything with regard to a hit,” McDaniel told reporters. “It was something he met with doctors today and discussed some symptoms.”

Tagovailoa’s head did appear to hit the ground during a play in the second quarter on Sunday against the Packers, but it’s unclear if the 24-year-old displayed any symptoms at the time.

© Provided by New York Post Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is back in concussion protocal.USA TODAY Sports

Tagovailoa potentially having another concussion is particularly concerning after he sustained a frightening concussion on Sept. 29 against the Bengals when his head was smashed into the ground during a tackle. Tagovailoa’s hands contorted in what was likely a “fencing response” and he was stretchered off the field.

The quarterback’s presence in the Bengals game was controversial because just four days earlier against the Bills, Tagovailoa’s head hit the ground during a hit and he stumbled as he stood up. Tagovailoa missed two games after his concussion against the Bengals, returning on Oct. 23 against the Steelers.

Saw this live. And I recorded it because I knew as soon as I saw it. This happened late in the 1st half. And I believe Tua played 2nd half with a concussion. His head bounced off the ground. And it was very similar to the hit in Cincinnati. 3 INTs in the 4th qtr. proved it to me. pic.twitter.com/Djl0xkGToX

— Michael Williams (@SelfMade0602) December 25, 2022

According to McDaniel, backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater will take most of the first-team reps in anticipation of starting against the Patriots in Foxborough.

The 8-7 Dolphins and 7-8 Patriots will play at 1 p.m. on New Years Day. Miami won the first meeting 20-7 in Week 1.