Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa stretchered off with head injury
Associated PressDec 24, 2022
The Facts
On Thursday, Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa hit his head on the turf during a game with the Cincinnati Bengals. He was hospitalized with what might have been his second serious head injury in five days, renewing questions about the league's concussion protocols.
After the hit, Tagovailoa raised his hands with his fingers splayed, which can signify a brain injury. The Dolphins reported he suffered “head and neck injuries,” but he was conscious and had movement in all his extremities. He was put into the NFL’s concussion protocol and discharged in time to travel home with the team.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
While Tagovailoa’s injuries are concerning, all protocols have been followed in accordance with NFL practice. The Dolphins have shown that they take the NFL’s rules around concussions seriously by complying with the league's investigation and are rightly supporting the quarterback's recovery.
Establishment-critical narrative
By rushing Tagovailoa back to the field after Sunday's injury, the Dolphins displayed a complete dereliction of duty and lack of care. The fact that protocols were seemingly followed calls into question the NFL's lax rules. It remains to be seen how and if Tagovailoa will recover.
