CNN
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The National Football League Players’ Association has fired the unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant who helped evaluate Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa for a concussion in their game against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. last, according to multiple reports, including from NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, citing unnamed sources.
The unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant was fired after discovering he had made “several errors” in his assessment, according to ESPN, citing an unnamed source.
CNN contacted the NFLPA but did not immediately receive a response.
The National Football League and the NFLPA released a joint statement on Saturday, saying that while the investigation into the treatment of Tagovalioa’s concussion protocols is still ongoing, both parties have agreed that updates to the protocols are needed. .
The NFL and NFLPA said they “expect protocol changes to be made in the coming days based on what has been learned so far in the review process.”
On Sunday, the NFLPA told the league it would initiate a review into the management of Tagovailoa’s apparent head injury. The NFL later confirmed to CNN that a joint investigation would take place.
In the Dolphins’ 21-19 win over the Buffalo Bills, Tagovailoa was briefly knocked out of the game in the second quarter after a hit by Bills linebacker Matt Milano forced the back of his helmet to touch the turf. The 24-year-old third-year quarterback stumbled to his feet and was taken to the locker room for a concussion exam. Milano was flagged for a blow to the setter.
The Dolphins initially announced Tagovailoa was questionable to return to the game with a head injury, but returned to the field in the third quarter and finished the game throwing for 186 yards and a touchdown.
Tagovailoa told reporters after the game that he fell on his back before his head hit the turf, causing his back to lock and stumble. He added that he was assessed for a concussion, but was ultimately cleared.
“The adrenaline kept me going,” added Tagovailoa.
Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel hinted at a back injury after the game, saying Tagovailoa’s back “bent” on a previous play, but the kick “released his back,” causing her legs to wobble. McDaniel added that Tagovailoa told him his back was like “Gumby”.
The NFL and the Dolphins are under scrutiny for the decision to allow Tagovailoa to play another game Thursday.
Tagovailoa was sacked by Cincinnati Bengals defensive lineman Josh Tupou in the second quarter of that game and was motionless on the field for several minutes. The entire Dolphins sideline walked on the field as he was placed on a backboard and stretcher before being taken to the hospital. Bengals fans at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati showed their respect as Tagovailoa was ejected from the field.
In a statement late Thursday, the NFLPA said player health and safety is “core” to their mission.
“Our concern tonight is Tua and we hope for a full and speedy recovery,” he said. “Our investigation into the potential breach of protocol is ongoing.”
McDaniel told reporters Friday that Tagovailoa was in concussion protocol after Thursday’s, but gave no timeline for his return to the field.
The video showed Tagovailoa’s forearms flexed and his fingers twisted – a sign that CNN chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta, a neurosurgeon, said was a “fencing response” and may be related to brain injury.
