The Miami Dolphins have been horrendously bad on offense without quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Last weekend, reports began to surface of Tagovailoa’s imminent return, coming as early as next Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals. Tagovailoa suffered a scary concussion earlier this year against the Buffalo Bills, adding to an already long list of head injuries that the signal-caller has suffered in his short NFL career. The Miami passer has since become synonymous with the fencing position routinely displayed by those suffering concussions.
On Monday, when speaking to the media, Tagovailoa acknowledged the importance of playing smarter, potentially avoiding lunging forward for extra yardage, a move that led to his first concussion of 2024. Meanwhile, the former top pick decided he would not wear a Guardian Cap upon his return, a soft padded shell that goes over the player’s helmet that has gained traction recently. Miami Dolphins fans were displeased to hear Tagovailoa’s unwillingness to wear the protective gear.
Miami Dolphins Fans Blast QB Tua Tagovailoa for Safety Decision
According to NFL reporter Cameron Wolfe:
Tua Tagovailoa says he won’t wear a guardian cap on his helmet because of personal choice. He says he needs to be more available for his team.
“I just got to be smart, that’s it. My entire time playing football, I have been a competitor, and that is, or was, my edge… Definitely got to stay more available for the team, the organization, and our guys.”
On Sunday, Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane returned to the gridiron after suffering a concussion in their early October win against the New England Patriots. Achane wore a Guardian Cap, a “soft-shell cover that attaches to the outside of a football helmet to reduce the risk of head injuries.” The NFL approved using Guardian Caps during games this season to reduce head injuries.
As for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, the victim of multiple high-profile concussions in his NFL career, will not don the Guardian Cap as he returns from his latest head injury. The Miami faithful sit confused with Tagovailoa’s decision, especially with his long-term health likely a factor in his decision:
i need to be more available for my team. i also won’t protect myself better. what 😭😭😭
— Dak (@thecubanhokage) October 21, 2024
Hate to see him in 20 years
— IG:Flame300 (@FlameDaArsonist) October 21, 2024
I say Jello meals in his future if he continues to play.
— AndreH!mSelf (@AndreDecoteau) October 21, 2024
So not wearing more protection is his way of taking steps to be more available?
— Dave (@dave3264) October 21, 2024
Should be required as part of post concussion protocol
— Ratz (@eyedocp) October 21, 2024
Stupid
— KMAC (@rjmac3105_kmac) October 21, 2024
I don't get it. Why not take this simple extra step for your own safety? The NFL = Not For Long. Stay healthy. The vast majority of your life is in front of you.
— Aaron Knights (@aaronknights12) October 21, 2024
Tua in 10 years pic.twitter.com/CYt60rMV3e
— Big B (@BWareLaFlare) October 21, 2024
His CTE gon be worse than AB
— 30🅿️roblemz (@30problemz) October 21, 2024
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Miami Dolphins Tua Tagovailoa’s Potential Return After Unnerving Week 2 Concussion
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Dolphins Coach Mike McDaniel Has a Strong Take on Tua Tagovailoa’s Future
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Dolphins Linked to Trading for Pittsburgh Steelers’ QB as Tua Tagovailoa ‘Stopgap’
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