The NFL says there will be no arbitration between the Miami Dolphins and Tua Tagovailoa regarding a potential return date.
Dr. Allen Sills, the NFL's chief medical officer, told reporters that Tagovailoa is “being evaluated by the best experts” and that the NFL would not be involved in determining when he returns.
“Patient autonomy and medical decision-making are really important,” Sills says.
“And I think we have to recognize that that applies to our concussion protocols as well. Ultimately, when a patient makes a decision considering their career, it's about giving the best medical advice. It needs to reflect the autonomy that comes from discussions with medical professionals,” Sills said, via ESPN.
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Tua Tagovailoa of the Miami Dolphins before a game against the Buffalo Bills at Hard Rock Stadium on September 12, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
The Dolphins quarterback has been on injured reserve since September 17th after suffering a horrific concussion in a collision with a defender in Week 2 against the Buffalo Bills. The concussion against the Bills was the third recorded in his professional career.
Sills and NFL Executive Vice President Jeff Miller, who oversees player health and safety, said on a conference call that the number of concussions during the preseason was the lowest in the NFL since tracking began in 2015. .
There were 44 concussions during practices and games, a decrease of about 24% from last year.
One reason the number of concussions has decreased is changes in equipment.
Giants star rookie Malik Nabors remains in concussion protocol and ruled out for game against Giants in Seattle
Injured New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabors (1) is helped off the field during the fourth quarter of a game against the Dallas Cowboys on September 26, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
“The reason for that change certainly has to do with rule changes, equipment changes including the Guardian Cap, and a number of other efforts we've made over the years to bring the numbers down,” Miller said. spoke.
During the preseason, concussions were reduced by nearly 50% among players who wore Guardian caps during mandatory sessions compared to the pre-mandatory average.
In addition to the Guardian's cap, almost 99% of players wear a top-performance helmet, including over 250 players who wear helmets that are as good as, and in some cases better than, the helmet combined with the Guardian's cap. He was wearing a helmet that the league claims provides protection.
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Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered an apparent concussion after hitting his head on the ground while being tackled by Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin at Hard Rock Stadium. (Jacen Vinlove/Imagn Images)
Dynamic kickoffs led to fewer injuries in the preseason, but concussions still occurred with the improved play.
“The dynamic kickoff resulted in more concussions than we expected,” Miller said. “Throughout the first three weeks of our dynamic regular season kickoff, we have not had a single concussion.”
“While there is no end goal in our efforts to make the game safer, this preseason injury data is an example of how the league's intentional approach to player safety continues to pay off.” said Sills. “We are committed to building a culture of safety around our games, and this preseason was another positive step in that direction.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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