For the first time in forever, the divisional clash between the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins felt like a real football rivalry. Two undefeated records, two star-studded rosters, two teams desperate to hold onto first place. Miami won the thriller, 21-19.
For now, the game will be remembered for the “butt punt,” the 83 total passing attempts, the triple-digit temperatures, and the coach-cam meltdown. In a month’s time, that may not be the case.
Late in the second quarter, Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa fell to the ground after being hit during a pass attempt. His head seemed to hit the ground hard. Tagovailoa soon stood up and looked to shake off the hit before falling to the ground and stumbling again before he made it to the sideline.
We witnessed the video definition of “concussion like symptoms,” in a game tied at 14. He was taken for a concussion check. Tagovailoa would open the second half for the Dolphins.
Did Tagovailoa pass his concussion test?
How?
How could anyone be allowed to play the most violent game on the planet after nearly collapsing just minutes before? The NFL Players Association asked the same question.
Miami ruled Tagovailoa’s exit a head injury, listing him questionable to return. With a game, and potentially division, on the line, he miraculously found his way back on the field. The Dolphins would win 21-19.
To most of us, this looks like a straightforward case of, well, lying. Miami would amend their stance and said Tagovailoa’s back acted up, citing the previous hits. We were told it locked up after the Milano hit that grounded Tagovailoa, causing his stagger. Head coach Mike McDaniel and his quarterback shared the same story.
The NFLPA isn’t buying it. They are within their rights to file a complaint about the injury proceeding and ask for an investigation. Tagovailoa had to have been cleared by team doctors, as well as a neutral medical professional who observes that his symptoms were not the result of an injury. Obviously, that had taken place. Its legitimacy will now be taken under the microscope.
Ideally, it becomes clear that Tagovailoa really did just mess up his back and that his performance was a gutsy one, rather than irresponsible in every sense of the word. Any news in the other direction is a direct referendum on the new Dolphins administration and the league’s policies as a whole. Just last week, Justin Herbert played through a rib injury with serious risks attached.
Playing chicken with concussions would put more than a dent in the Shield.