When NFL players suffer concussions, the process to get them back on the field often kicks in almost immediately. Players routinely navigate the five-step return-to-play protocol within just seven days of experiencing a brain injury. Last year, for example, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy was diagnosed with a concussion after a Monday night game, but he was cleared to play just six days later.
However, things are different this time for Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. After what is now his third official concussion (or fourth, if we count the one initially diagnosed as a back injury), there’s no rush to push him through the usual recovery steps. Instead of getting him back on the field quickly, Tua has been placed on injured reserve (IR) due to his concussion — for the second time in less than two years.
How often do we see an NFL player land on IR because of a concussion? If it’s happened before, it’s extremely rare. This situation raises questions, but it’s not just about whether Tua will play again this season. It’s about whether he’ll play at all this year, or even beyond that.
A Shift in Priorities for Tua’s Recovery
In the NFL, there is often a sense of urgency when it comes to getting a player back on the field. But in Tua’s case, that urgency needs to take a back seat. Before any long-term decisions about his career can be made, the short-term pressure to return to play must be removed. Right now, the focus should be solely on his health and making the best decisions for his future. How can that be achieved without ruling out the possibility of him playing in 2024?
In 2022, Tua became the poster child for concussions in the NFL. Every time he stepped onto the field, fans held their breath, fearing the next hit might result in another concussion. If he returns this year, that fear will resurface. Unfortunately, it wouldn’t be unreasonable to expect another blow to the head — hits happen constantly in football. It’s one of the game’s inherent risks.
A Routine Hit, But Significant Consequences
Last week’s hit, which led to Tua’s latest concussion, wasn’t particularly brutal. In fact, it was closer to what might be considered a routine play. But the result was anything but routine — Tua immediately displayed the fencing posture, a telltale sign of significant brain trauma.
We know he’ll miss at least the next four games. By Week 7, the question will arise: Is he truly ready to return to such a dangerous environment, where the likelihood of yet another concussion is very real? And what happens if he suffers another brain injury this season?
More Than a Speed Bump
For most NFL players, a concussion is seen as a temporary setback, something to overcome before returning to the game. But Tua’s situation feels far more serious. This isn’t just another concussion recovery — this feels like a turning point. It’s possible that this injury will keep him sidelined for the remainder of the season. The bigger, more permanent decisions about his career will likely come after the dust settles on the 2024 season.
Tua’s path forward is unclear, and while the hope is for a full recovery, the reality is that each concussion increases the risk of long-term damage. For now, the priority must be his health, not just for this season but for the rest of his life. The NFL and Tua’s team will have to navigate this situation carefully, balancing his desire to play with the very real risks that come with head injuries.
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