Miami Dolphins Coach Mike McDaniel Announces Tua Tagovailoa Cleared to Start Sunday

After taking some time to rest, heal, be examined  and reflect, a decision has been made. On Friday, the Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel announces that Tua Tagovailoa is cleared to start Sunday’s game. The Dolphins are set to take on the Arizona Cardinals this weekend.

This decision is one many fans are concerned about. Tagovailoa has endured numerous concussions over the course of his career. According to the Cleveland Clinic, “One concussion usually doesn’t cause permanent brain damage. But experiencing multiple concussions over a lifetime can change your brain’s structure or how it works, which can lead to severe complications and increase your risk of developing serious health conditions. A concussion is a head injury that happens when your brain moves or twists inside your skull.”

Over the span of two years, Tagovailoa has sustained three diagnosed concussions. But now is still making his way back to the field. ESPN’s Adam Schefter broke the news about Tua’s return. He reports,

“Per Mike McDaniel: Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa now has cleared the NFL-mandated concussion protocol and will start Sunday’s game vs. the Cardinals. Despite any debate, Tagovailoa will be back behind center Sunday.”

Player safety has been a major concern of the league for years. It has led to numerous rule changes protecting quarterbacks and the offensive line. And the inclusion of helmets designed to better protect against head injuries. But yet, another issue has emerged on the horizon… the players themselves.

Some athletes just love to compete. Even if that means playing through injury. However, history has shown that head trauma in the NFL has caused many serious health problems (sleep issues, memory and concentration problems; depression, headaches, dizziness, aggression, vision problems, slurred speech, etc.); later on for retired veterans. So then, the issue becomes how much rope do you give a player when it comes to concussions? When should the “R” word (retire) automatically come into play before it’s too late?

Miami Dolphins Coach Mike McDaniel Announces Tua Tagovailoa Cleared to Start Sunday

Once more, Adam Schefter mentions how the seriousness of this situation was laid out for Tua. Interestingly, experts discussed his medical history, but there were “no recommendations to retire.” Of course, concussions should not be taken lightly; and neither should Tua take them that way when it comes to his family and future quality of life. Nevertheless, Schefter explains,

“Per the Dolphins:

Tua Tagovailoa followed the NFL’s five-step Return to Participation Protocol, including an examination and clearance by an Independent Neurological Consultant.

Following Thursday’s practice, Tagovailoa was examined by the Independent Neurological Consultant and cleared to play in Sunday’s game.

As he has progressed through the Return to Participation Protocol, Tagovailoa has received care from top medical experts across the country.

Those experts spoke candidly with Tagovailoa about his history and not one doctor recommended he retire from the game.

Tagovailoa’s decision to return to the game following medical clearance is a decision he made with his doctors and his family.”

Tagovailoa has definitely been a shining light in the NFL. Helping to bring the Dolphins back into the football spotlight with his expert play at QB. But his health is still worrisome. Yet, the positive is that he does have access to the best medical care available to athletes. Therefore, hopefully he will not have any more “scares” during the rest of his career and can stay healthy for his team and family.

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