The NFL and NFLPA brought an end to their investigation into whether Tua Tagovailoa had only one, as opposed to two, concussions over the five days spanning Sunday of Week 3 against the Bills to Thursday of Week 4 against the Bengals. To this writer, it raises more questions than answers.
In sum, the NFL stated that concussion protocol with Tua was handled perfectly; no issues with the team doctor, the unaffiliated doctor, the follow-up care, etc. In other words, no problem! Well, yes, problem.
The NFLPA exercised its right to fire the unaffiliated doctor who allowed Tua to return to play against the Bills. As to why, the NFL responds by saying “Ask the union!” even as this investigation was—theoretically—a partnership. Further, return-to-play policies have been changed to remove players showing signs of ataxia—wobbling or instability—after a blow to the head, regardless of a concussion diagnosis. In other words, no longer will players be allowed to return as Tagovailoa did against the Dolphins. We have already seen this new policy in practice, with Tagovailoa’s replacement, Teddy Bridgewater, on Sunday.
