CINCINNATI, Ohio (AP) – Tua Tagovailoa of the Miami Dolphins was stretchered off the field after suffering neck and head injuries after being knocked to the ground during Thursday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Tagovailoa was aware, had movement in all of his extremities, and was brought to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center for additional evaluation, according to the Dolphins.
Josh Tupou ran down and sacked Tagovailoa with roughly six minutes remained in the first half. He was hurled to the ground after being twirled around. His hands froze in front of his face when he was on the ground. After his facemask was removed, he was carried onto a backboard, stabilized, and attached to a stretcher for more than seven minutes.
As Tagovailoa was wheeled off the field, Dolphins teammates crowded around him, and the crowd screamed “Tua! Tua!” Tua!.”
The NFL community reacted quickly. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson both expressed concern about Tagovailoa’s health.
“Praying for you, Tua,” wrote Wilson.
Tagovailoa, 24, had a bad back and was listed as questionable for most of the week leading up to the game.
Tagovailoa momentarily exited Sunday’s 21-19 victory over the Buffalo Bills after appearing dazed after what the team initially described as a head injury sustained late in the first half from Bills defender Matt Milano. He only missed three snaps and returned after halftime, prompting a joint examination of what went into the decision to allow him to return to the game by the NFL and the National Football League Players Association.
The team and Tagovailoa both stated after the game that the quarterback’s awkward slip and fall after being smashed into the turf in the second quarter was caused by a back injury. Tagovailoa was not in concussion protocol, according to the team on Monday.
Miami initially reported a head injury, but Tagovailoa later stated that he hurt his back on the tumble. He said he “hyper-extended” his back while attempting a quarterback sneak and having his legs entangled under someone.
Tagovailoa was 8 for 14 for 100 yards and an interception before departing Thursday’s game. Teddy Bridgewater took his place in the game and delivered a touchdown pass to Chase Edmonds with 15 seconds left in the half.
Tua’s play has been crucial for the 3-0 Dolphins, who won a national championship at Alabama. He entered the game ranked second in the NFL in passing yards with 925.
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