Tua Tagovailoa cleared from concussion protocol with expected Week 7 return

Miami Dolphins star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has been out of commission for weeks in concussion protocol, but he’s expected to return in Week 7.

Miami Dolphins star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has been out of commission for weeks after suffering two devastating blows in back-to-back games, and he’s been under concussion protocol since. There hasn’t been a timeline for his return until now.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Tagovailoa has been cleared from concussion protocol and is expected to return for Week 7.

After bracing concerning injuries in Week 3 and Week 4 games, Tagovailoa sat out of Miami’s Week 5 loss to the New York Jets.

As the NFL and NFLPA investigates the medical procedure that permitted Tagovailoa to return in Week 3 and play in Week 4, the Dolphins have taken a cautious approach to bringing back Tagovailoa, allowing him to sit out for a total of two weeks.

Dolphins star QB Tua Tagovailoa exiting concussion protocol after two weeks

During their Week 3 game versus the Buffalo Bills, Tagovailoa was tackled hard. While he remained conscious and able to come off the field on his own, he looked dazed and stumbled as he ran off the field.

He was taken out of the game momentarily and returned before the game’s end, and many thought his return may have endangered him. He appeared to have a concussion, but the Dolphins ruled out a concussion at the time. Since then, the unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant who evaluated Tagovailoa in Week 3 had their NFL contract terminated.

Four days later, Tagovailoa was sacked in the Week 4 game and fell to the ground unconscious with involuntary flexing of his arms and hands. The fencing response Tagovailoa exhibited is commonly a symptom of traumatic brain injuries.

Right now, there’s no evidence confirming that the two incidents were linked, but if he did have an undiagnosed concussion from Week 3, it wouldn’t be surprising given his physical response in both situations.

Many are now pushing for the NFL to change its concussion protocol to help prevent issues like this from happening again. Thankfully, Tagovailoa seems to be on the right path health-wise as the Dolphins prepare for his anticipated Week 7 return.