Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa in new concussion concern

Miami, Florida - Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was again placed in the NFL concussion protocol and his status for the rest of the season is now in question.

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was again placed in the NFL concussion protocol.
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was again placed in the NFL concussion protocol.  © USA TODAY Sports

Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel announced the injury on Monday a day after Tagovailoa played all of Miami's 26-20 loss to the Green Bay Packers.

"It was something he met with doctors today and discussed some symptoms," McDaniel said.

It's uncertain if Tagovailoa suffered a concussion, but McDaniel said he had the symptoms to justify being placed in the league's protocol.

Brittney Griner and Caitlin Clark headline Olympic US Women's National Team
Athletes Brittney Griner and Caitlin Clark headline Olympic US Women's National Team

If Tagovailoa is not cleared for Sunday's game against the New England Patriots, Teddy Bridgewater will get the start in the Dolphins' extremely important game.

The Miami team are 8-7 after Tagovailoa threw three interceptions in Sunday's setback at the hands of the Packers and have lost four in a row and own the tiebreaker over the 7-8 Patriots for the final playoff spot in the AFC.

Tua Tagovailoa's has a history of concussions this season

Tagovailoa missed two October games after suffering a concussion in Miami's 27-15 Week 4 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.
Tagovailoa missed two October games after suffering a concussion in Miami's 27-15 Week 4 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.  © ANDY LYONS / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP

Tagovailoa missed two October games after suffering a concussion in Miami's 27-15 Week 4 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. He was hospitalized after being whipped around and flung to the ground by the Bengals' Josh Tupou, causing his head to snap back onto the turf.

The Dolphins were heavily criticized for having Tagovailoa on the field for that game four days after what happened in a 21-19 win over the Buffalo Bills.

After being pushed to the ground by linebacker Matt Milano, Tagovailoa's helmet slammed into the turf. He managed to get back on his feet quickly, but after shaking his head and looking woozy, he appeared to lose his balance as he stumbled back to the ground.

Caitlin Clark gets called out by fans – and her dad – over heated March Madness antics
Athletes Caitlin Clark gets called out by fans – and her dad – over heated March Madness antics

He went to the locker room to be assessed by the team's medical staff, with the Dolphins announcing a head injury that made him questionable to return.

Tagovailoa only missed three snaps, however, returning for the start of the third quarter – a decision that prompted the NFL and National Football League Players Association to conduct a joint review of how the decision was made to allow Tagovailoa to return.

McDaniel maintained, however, the proper protocols were followed and that Tagovailoa was cleared by the team and the independent neurologist.

The neurotrauma consultant who evaluated and cleared Tagovailoa was later fired by the NFLPA.

Cover photo: USA TODAY Sports

More on Athletes: