Taylor Bicht
2 min read • September 17, 2024
Posted in
Update: The Miami Dolphins placed Tua Tagovailoa on injured reserve Tuesday. Tagovailoa must remain on injured reserve for at least four games.
Below we will dive into the Tua Tagovailoa concussion issue and breakdown why he is considering retiring and the next steps for the Dolphins QB:
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is at a critical juncture in his career due to repeated concussions. Many fans and pundits alike have expressed concerns about his long-term health, with some suggesting that he should retire to protect himself from further brain injuries.
While 80-90% of the public may believe retirement is the best option for Tua, the final decision should be made after carefully gathering all medical information. The risks of continuing to play football, particularly in a "collision" sport like football, are significant.
If Tua prioritizes his long-term health and the well-being of his future family, the medical consensus might recommend retirement. This same advice could apply to any football player, not just those with a history of concussions.
Tua has suffered multiple documented concussions, including an injury during his college career at Alabama. His fifth documented concussion in five years (or fourth, depending on the interpretation) is especially alarming.
Each concussion increases the risk of long-term neurological damage, but not all concussions are the same. This complexity makes it difficult to offer a blanket recommendation. Some athletes, like Mitch Morse, have had multiple concussions without widespread calls for retirement, highlighting the individual nature of such decisions.
In terms of process, Tua will need clearance from medical professionals to return to play. This involves multiple evaluations from both the Dolphins’ team physicians and independent neurologists.
If Tua is still symptomatic, there’s no point in pursuing further clearance. Concussion symptoms—such as headaches, balance issues, or cognitive dysfunction—would prevent him from being cleared to play. If his symptoms subside, he will undergo rigorous neurocognitive testing before seeking further neurological assessments. If he passes, only then can Tua evaluate the relative risk of returning to the field.
The decision ultimately rests with Tua and his family, in consultation with doctors. It’s not just about clearing symptoms; the risk of future concussions and potential long-term damage must be weighed carefully.
Should Tua decide to continue playing, he will need to understand and accept the risks. However, if lingering symptoms persist, retirement would likely become the only viable option. While the posturing seen after concussions can be frightening, it does not necessarily indicate permanent damage, but every concussion must be taken seriously. The decision to continue playing or retire will require a careful balancing of medical facts and personal choice.
This injury could have a significant impact on fantasy football owners who rely on Tua’s performance. Be sure to check back on SICscore.com for updates on his recovery and return timeline.
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Written by Taylor Bicht
