NFL-NFLPA to conduct joint investigation into Tua Tagovailoa’s latest concussion case

For the second time in three months, a joint NFL-NFLPA investigation will review the handling of Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa under the league’s concussion protocols.

The NFL players union (NFLPA) initiated the joint probe on Wednesday after conducting its own preliminary review after Tagovailoa was placed in concussion protocol on Monday, when he informed doctors of concussion symptoms a day after playing an entire game against the Green Bay Packers.

“We welcome that review,” NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy stated to USA TODAY Sports in a text message, “and as we have done previously, we will report the results in conjunction with the NFLPA.”

Tagovailoa was apparently injured late in the second quarter as he hit the back of his head on the turf – similar to injuries sustained at Cincinnati and against Buffalo during a 5-day span in late September. Although the Dolphins and Tagovailoa disputed that the quarterback suffered a concussion after absorbing a hit against the Bills, maintaining that he complained of a neck injury as he stumbled after the play, the injury at Cincinnati was immediately confirmed as a concussion as he writhed in pain and exhibited curled fingers known as a “fencing” position.

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The previous investigation resulted in a policy change that included adding ataxia – a loss of balance and/or motor coordination, or slurred speech – as a factor to consider in evaluating concussions. Tagovailoa finished Sunday’s game, which included his three fourth-quarter interceptions, without being evaluated for a concussion.

Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said that Tagovailoa, who missed three weeks after the incident at Cincinnati, wasn’t checked for a concussion on Sunday because he exhibited no symptoms. A day later, Tagovailoa spoke of symptoms that led to him being put in the league’s concussion protocol.

Dr. Thom Mayer, the NFLPA’s chief medical adviser, told USA TODAY Sports on Tuesday that a joint probe was possible. Under terms of the league’s labor pact with players, either the NFLPA or the NFL can call for a joint investigation.

If Tagovailoa didn’t exhibit obvious symptoms, Mayer indicated that it was still possible for three unaffiliate neurotrauma consultants (UNCs) at the game to call for an in-game evaluation due to the mechanism in play when Tagovailoa was apparently injured – as the back of his head hit the turf, as was the case during the games against the Bills and Bengals.

“We just want to make sure that No. 1, everything is done right and No. 2, that everything is going to be done right when it comes to his return to participation, or for our guys, return to work,” Mayer told USA TODAY Sports. “As always, we’re diligent, watching it…making sure we’re all over it in making sure things get done right. If they weren’t, we’ll figure it out.

"If the protocol is working great, fine. If not, we’ll change it if we need to, for the good of the player.”

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tua Tagovailoa’s latest concussion to be investigated by NFL, NFLPA