Tua happy to clear concussion protocol: 'Stressful' process
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa spoke publicly for the first time since suffering a concussion in Week 4 against the Cincinnati Bengals, and he described clearing the protocol as a taxing but necessary process.
"It's been a process, that's for sure," Tagovailoa said. "Having to deal with interviews with the NFL and the NFLPA and then having to go see doctors outside with second opinions. A lot of it has been, I'd say, pretty stressful, but all of it is done for player safety."
The Dolphins signal-caller was stretchered off the field after his head appeared to slam against the ground following a sack. The 24-year-old didn't describe the concussion as scary given he was unconscious at different points in the evening. He said he remembers up until he was tackled and moments in the ambulance and at the hospital but doesn't recall being carted off.
Concern for Tagovailoa's health was already heightened after he briefly left the Dolphins' Week 3 contest against the Buffalo Bills while appearing dazed following a big hit. He missed only three plays before returning for the remainder of the game.
Following his time away, Tagovailoa plans to adjust his style of play to preserve his long-term health.
"Throwing the ball away hasn't been something I've done in the past really well because I'm trying to make plays," he said. "Just learning from that, if it's not there, it's OK to just throw it away."
The third-year passer cleared concussion protocol Saturday. He was ruled inactive for Week 6 as a precaution but is set to return for Miami's matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers this Sunday. Tagovailoa reportedly received four outside opinions while team doctors also unanimously cleared him.
Tagovailoa has stuck to his normal preparation routine ahead of his return to action. "I went into last week prepping as if I was going to play. ... No different than this week," he said.
Head coach Mike McDaniel is pleased with what he's observed from his starting quarterback ahead of his return.
"He's laser-focused. He's in his normal mood, but he doesn't lose attention span at the task at hand," McDaniel said.
The Dolphins will attempt to end a three-game skid against the Steelers.