Tua Tagovailoa is reportedly on track to return to the NFL in a matter of weeks, despite multiple calls for the quarterback to retire following his latest concussion scare.
Tagovailoa crashed to the turf after a hit from Damar Hamlin during the third quarter of the Miami Dolphins’ loss to the Buffalo Bills and appeared to go straight for the fencing response.
It was the signal-caller’s third known concussion in his NFL career, having suffered a history of head injuries dating back to 2022, and the terrifying scenes prompted calls from fans, former players and medical experts for Tagovailoa to step away. of the game.
However, despite the fears, the quarterback is planning to return to the field this season, according to Adam Schefter.
Before the Dolphins’ game against the Tennessee Titans on Monday night, Schefter revealed that Tagovailoa is “symptom-free” and is on track to return as early as Week 8.
Tua Tagovailoa is reportedly on track to return to the NFL in a matter of weeks
Tagovailoa took a hit from Bills safety Damar Hamlin during the third quarter of Week 2.
“He’s been meeting with neurologists and I don’t think anyone has said anything to him at this point to dissuade him from wanting to play,” Schefter said on Monday Night Countdown.
‘There is a feeling here that he is destined to return. Despite all the talk about Tua Tagovailoa and how he should stop playing and retire, the fact is that when his four games on injured reserve are over, he will return to the Miami Dolphins lineup.
“There’s a real chance he’ll be back so soon.” For now, he seems determined to continue his NFL career sooner rather than later.
Tagovailoa was at Hard Rock Stadium on Monday night to cheer on his team, despite not playing after the Dolphins placed him on injured reserve.
He is forced to miss four games after being placed on IR, ruling him out until Week 6. Miami has a bye week in Week 7, meaning the earlier Tagovailoa could return in Week 8.
Tagovailoa collided with Bills safety Hamlin in the open field and headed forward instead of sliding. The communicator fell after the collision, hitting his head on the Hard Rock grass.
He has now suffered three known concussions in the NFL, after his 2022 season was cut short by head injuries.
In Week 3 of that year, he was rocked by a big tackle and entered the fencing response, but then returned to the game.
In Week 4, he showed concussion symptoms again after another brutal hit and was stretchered off the field.
Dolphins quarterback suffered concussion, third known concussion in NFL career
Many fans and former players asked the signalman to leave the game.
Later in the season, in Week 16, he suffered another concussion, ending his season and prompting a change in the NFL’s concussion protocol.
And the latest scare has led many former players to ask Tagovailoa to put his health as a priority.
Former NFL star Dez Bryant led the charge on social media calling for his retirement when Tagovailoa was ejected from the game.
“That’s it,” Bryant wrote. ‘The NFL moves forward and does the right thing. Tua has had too many concussions. He needs to retire because of his longevity-related health problems.
NFL legend Shannon Sharpe echoed Bryant’s sentiments, saying, “I really hope Tua is okay, but he needs to seriously think about shutting it down.” I H8 saying this. His concussions are getting worse and worse and he is a young man with his whole life ahead of him.
Meanwhile, Manti Te’o, a former NFL player and close friend, tearfully urged Tagovailoa to make “the right decision.”
However, Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel declined to discuss the possibility of Tagovailoa hanging up his cleats, insisting the decision should be made by the player.
“I think it would be very wrong of me to even sniff that issue,” the 41-year-old said when asked if Tagovailoa would pull out of Friday’s game.
‘It’s more along the lines of really caring about human beings. You’re talking about his career. Your career is yours.
Tagovailoa was able to leave the field under his own power before returning to the locker room.
When the caller left the field, an emotional McDaniel planted a kiss on his head.
Manti Te’o was visibly emotional as he talked about his friend Tagovailoa’s concussion.
‘I totally understand that that’s where people want to go. I just wish, for a second, people would listen to what I’m saying: that bringing up his future isn’t in his best interest.
‘I’m going to plead with everyone who really cares about that and that should be the last thing on their minds.
‘If I had to answer that question and he read it, whether he agreed or disagreed, it would make it worse.
“I don’t think it’s appropriate because of my care and consideration.” I don’t think those types of conversations when talking about someone’s career… I think it’s fair that their career is decided by them.’