NFL, NFLPA Say Concussion Protocols Will Be Modified amid Tua Tagovailoa Probe

Following the head and neck injuries suffered by Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, the league's concussion protocols will be changed.

The league said in a statement.

Modifications to the concussion protocol are necessary to improve player safety. We anticipate changes to the protocol being made in the coming days based on what has been learned so far around the use of the term "Gross Motor Instability."

Tom Pelissero @TomPelissero

My understanding is the new NFL-NFLPA concussion protocols are effectively agreed to, pending the formal approval process.

The announcement now puts everyone on notice for Week 4 Sunday (if they weren’t already): If there’s any doubt, get the player out. https://t.co/CtpoOVnK6C

There were injuries to Tagovailoa's head and neck during the Cincinnati game.

He hit his head on the turf and was taken to a Cincinnati hospital for further evaluation.

Tagovailoa did not have a timetable for his return to the field. The backup quarterback is expected to play.

After being evaluated for a concussion, Tagovailoa was allowed to return to the game against the Bills.

Tagovailoa struggled to stay on his feet while jogging back to the huddle after hitting his head on the turf. He was taken out of the game after being helped up. According to Tagovailoa, he was allowed to finish the game after passing concussion protocol.

The independent doctor who cleared the quarterback to play in that game has been fired. Several mistakes were made with the quarterback's concussion test, according to an investigation by the league.

The findings of the investigation into Tagovailoa's concussion evaluation will be made public.

We want to be open about this. We want to get better. We want to be the best in this field. We will be up front about changing things if we find that we fell short. If that is the case, we will do that again.

If concussion protocol wasn't followed, there would be very serious consequences.

The Dolphins have come under fire for allowing Tagovailoa to play in the game. According to the head coach, the quarterback passed concussion protocol every day leading up to the game and on game day.

It's not clear what the new concussion protocol will look like, but it is likely to be more extensive than what is currently in place.