NFLPA Agrees to Concussion Protocol Changes in Wake of Tua Tagovailoa's Injury

The league's concussion protocol will be changed in the wake of the hit that sent Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to the hospital.

According to Jeremy Fowler, the NFL PA said in a statement.

The concussion protocols will be changed to protect players from returning to play in the event of a similar incident. We want these changes to go into effect before this weekend's games to make sure the players are protected, and we hope the NFL accepts the change before then.

The framework for an updated concussion protocol that would rule out players who show gross motor instability during games has been agreed to by the league and the union.

The NFL said in a statement on Friday that they agree that changes to the joint protocols are necessary to further enhance player safety. The leadership of the Unaffiliated Neurotrauma Consultants and Independent Certified Athletic Trainers who serve as spotters have already been spoken to.

The Indianapolis Colts running back, who was starting in place of Jonathan Taylor, was ruled out due to gross motor instability.

He tried to walk back to the huddle after taking a hard hit on the opening drive, but he couldn't keep his balance. The medical staff took over after the linemen held him up.

The league's protocols were looked into after Tagovailoa returned to the game against the Bills despite showing concussion-like symptoms. He was taken to the hospital on a stretcher after taking a big hit that resulted in head and neck injuries during the fourth quarter of the game.

Tagovailoa is out indefinitely due to a concussion. The quarterback has been meeting with specialists, according to the coach.

During Miami's Week 3 game against Buffalo, Tagovailoa was evaluated for a concussion. The results of the investigation will be made public.