Tua Tagovailoa releases message following concussion Thursday night

Miami Dolphins quarterback and former Alabama Crimson Tide star Tua Tagovailoa left Thursday night’s matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals in one of the more jarring visuals this season. Tagovailoa was sacked late in the second quarter, slamming his head to the ground and ultimately leaving the game with a concussion. The Dolphins’ quarterback was taken to a nearby medical facility for observation and released later that night. On Friday, Tagovailoa released this message thanking everyone for their support and provided a brief update on his status.

“I want to thank everyone for all their prayers and support since the game last night. it was difficult to not be able to finish the game and be there with my teammates, but I am grateful for the support and care I’ve received from the dolphins, my friends and family, and all the people who reached out. I’m feeling much better and focused on recovering so I can get back out on the field with my teammates,” wrote Tagovailoa via Twitter.

It is great to hear that the former Crimson Tide star is doing much better since the injury. For fans worldwide watching the action live, it was difficult for most to stomach watching everything transpire.

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Tagovailoa will enter the NFL concussion protocol. Hopefully, for Miami’s young quarterback, there are no lingering side effects from the injury, and he can continue playing in their next game against the New York Jets.

Concussion expert reacts to Tua Tagovailoa injury, blasts Dolphins medical staff

When Tagovailoa left Thursday Night Football against the Cincinnati Bengals on a stretcher, criticism rolled in about the decision to start him in the game. One concussion expert weighed in — and blasted the Dolphins in the process.

Chris Nowinski, founder of the Boston University CTE Center and CEO of the Concussion Legacy Foundation, tweeted about the potential impact of the big hit, which occurred in the second quarter. Just four days ago, Tagovailoa left Miami’s game against the Buffalo Bills when he struggled to stand up following a big hit. But he returned, and speculation started about a potential concussion despite the team saying it was a back injury.

When Tagovailoa left Thursday night, Nowinski didn’t hold back with his thoughts about the impact of the hit.

“This is a disaster,” Nowinski tweeted. “Pray for Tua. Fire the medical staffs and coaches. I predicted this and I hate that I am right. Two concussions in 5 days can kill someone. This can end careers. How are we so stupid in 2022.”

That tweet came more than five hours after Nowinski initially tweeted about the decision to let Tagovailoa play Thursday night, just four days after the hit against Buffalo. He predicted the former Alabama star would take the brunt of a big hit, adding what could come next if it happened.

“If Tua takes the field tonight, it’s a massive step back for #concussion care in the NFL,” Nowinski wrote nearly three hours before kickoff. “If he has a 2nd concussion that destroys his season or career, everyone involved will be sued & should lose their jobs, coaches included. We all saw it, even they must know this isn’t right.”