The NFL is reportedly “pushing” to finish its investigation into the Miami Dolphins’ treatment of Tua Tagovailoa after an apparent head injury.
According to an ESPN NFL Nation report, the league hopes to wrap up the investigation before the Week 5 schedule begins Thursday night.
Multiple sources tell me the review into Tua Tagovailoa's handling following his Sept. 25 concussion evaluation could be finished as early as Thursday
The NFL wants to get it done before Colts-Broncos kickoff — still hurdles to cross before it's resolved but league is pushing
— Marcel Louis-Jacques (@Marcel_LJ) October 5, 2022
The NFLPA requested an investigation after the Dolphins cleared Tagovailoa to return to the team’s Week 3 game after suffering a blow to the head. The team also came under fire from the NFL community for clearing Tagovailoa to play in Week 4 against the Cincinnati Bengals, where he left the field on a stretcher after a head injury.
The NFL and NFLPA had already announced that the investigation recommends changes involving a player showing “Gross Motor Instability,” requiring they be removed from the game. The investigation also led to the termination of the neurotrauma consultant who cleared Tagovailoa to return to action.
Some observers questioned if it’s a good idea for the NFL to rush the investigation.
Love how they want it done fast not necessarily right… sounds like the NFL. Sweep it under the rug so they can get back to football. This is about them not wanting it to be discussed for more cycles, which is a shame. God forbid player safety be talked about.
— The Bills Guru (@The_Bills_Guru) October 5, 2022
Rushing to meet artificial deadlines is how the NFL got here. You'd think they'd learn the lesson one of these days and focus on getting the investigation right.
— Bradley Dlatt (@bdlatt) October 5, 2022
Tagovailoa has already been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the New York Jets.
Noted neuropathologist Bennet Omalu told TMZ Sports this week that he believes Tagovailoa should retire. Omalu, who was the first doctor to diagnose CTE in football players, says he believes the Dolphins QB “suffered severe, long-term permanent brain damage.”
[Marcel Louis-Jacques, ESPN NFL Nation]
