NFL, NFLPA issue statements on updating concussion protocols

The NFLPA issued a statement on Thursday evening regarding the updating of concussion protocols in the National Football League. “Our union has agreed to change the concussion protocols to protect players from returning to play in the case of any similar incident to what we saw on September 25. We would like these changes to go into effect before this weekend’s games to immediately protect the players and hope the NFL accepts the change before then as well,” the statement read, per Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network.

Following the announcement, the NFL released its own statement regarding the updated concussion protocols formally approved by the NFLPA today. “As we have discussed with the NFLPA, we agree that changes to the joint NFL-NFLPA protocols are necessary to further enhance player safety. We have already spoken to the members of the NFL Head, Neck, and Spine Committee and the leadership of the Unaffiliated Neurotrauma Consultants and Independent Certified Athletic Trainers who serve as spotters to discuss these likely changes.”

The updating of the concussion protocols is better now than never. The change comes on the heels of the Tua Tagovailoa case that was very poorly handled by the Miami Dolphins coaching staff, team doctors, and the executives of the National Football League. Both Miami head coach Mike McDaniel, the Dolphins organization, and the NFL received plenty of public criticism following Tagaovailoa’s situation.

More information on Tua Tagovailoa and the NFL and NFLPA updating concussion protocols

Following the Tua Tagovailoa situation playing out in front of the masses, the NFL and NFLPA will join forces to modify the league’s concussion protocol.

To illustrate, Tagovailoa was allowed to return in Week 3’s game against the Buffalo Bills after a scary looking, wobbly fall. However, after originally thinking it to be a head injury, the Dolphins believed Tagovailoa to have suffered a back injury.

Shockingly, the Miami quarterback was allowed to play just four days later, a Thursday Night Football showdown with the Cincinnati Bengals.

During the Week 4 game, Tagovailoa was ripped down to the ground, his head hitting the ground in a violent manner. Afterwards, it was evident something was wrong, as the former Alabama quarterback laid still for moments afterwards.

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In the days since, many have speculated that the Dolphins and the NFL either misdiagnosed Tagovailoa, or simply were ignorant to have their quarterback on the field. Now, changes are being made to prevent similar situations from happening in the future.

Here’s the statement the NFL and NFLPA released on Saturday, revealing they’ll be making “modifications” to “enhance player safety” to the league’s concussion protocol.

“The joint NFL-NFLPA investigation into the application of the Concussion Protocol involving Miami Dolphins’ quarterback Tua Tagovailoa remains ongoing. Therefore, we have not made any conclusions about medical errors or protocol violations.

“The NFL and the NFLPA agree that modifications to the Concussion Protocol are needed to enhance player safety. The NFLPA’s Mackey-White Health & Safety Committee and the NFL’s Head Neck and Spine Committee have already begun conversations around the use of the term “Gross Motor Instability” and we anticipate changes to the protocol being made in the coming days based on what has been learned thus far in the review process.

“The NFL and NFLPA share a strong appreciation for the unaffiliated neurotrauma consultants who contribute their time and expertise to our game solely to advance player safety. This program has made our game safer for the athletes who play it for the past twelve seasons.”

Regardless, the league will be better for elevating their stance on the matter, as player safety needs to be paramount at all times. Luckily, Tua Tagovailoa is feeling alright according to the Miami Dolphins, and hopefully no player has to go through what he did moving forward.

On3’s Steve Samra also contributed to this article.