Dolphins' Tua Tagovailoa says he lost consciousness after being hit

play

Tua Tagovailoa spoke for the first time since sustaining a concussion, saying he lost consciousness after a hit.

He was hospitalized after hitting his head on the ground while trying to extend a play in Miami's loss to Cincinnati in Week 4.

After hitting his head on the ground and losing consciousness, Tagovailoa was taken to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center in an ambulance and later returned to Miami with his teammates.

He said that it was not scary for him because he was unconscious at the time. I didn't think about long term or short term when I came to realize what was happening. I wasn't sure what happened.

It's in the quarterback's nature to try to extend plays, but he spoke with Tagovailoa about when it's time to throw the ball away.

Tagovailoa said that although it's his mindset to make something happen when he's on the field, he will have to learn when to stop.

He said that throwing the ball away hasn't been something he has done in the past. It's okay to throw it away if it's not there. I'm able to be the quarterback for this team and not try to make anything out of nothing.

Our motto for our offense is "plays will come to us"

The events of the past few weeks stand out to Tagovailoa the most.

Tagovailoa said his neighbors brought over baked goods, candy, notes and artwork from their kids, all of which made him and his family feel supported by their community.

He had to stand by as the Dolphins lost three games in a row while he was out. While in concussion protocol, Tagovailoa tried to help wherever he could. It was difficult to help out on the field.

He said there are things that can be done in the locker room to keep the guys motivated. It's not good. I would like to be out there with the guys. I would like to help our guys win games. I was only able to watch from the sideline.

Tagovailoa did not play for the Dolphins against the Vikings in Week 6. He is going to be the starter this week for the game against the PittsburghSteelers.

The NFL's leader in QBR at the time of his injury in Week 4, Tua Tagovailoa, said the process of his return to the field was "stressful."

Without Tagovailoa, the Dolphins have seen a decline in their efficiency. They were first and second in the league in points per drive and offensive expected points added through the first three weeks. They fell to 28th in offensive EPA and 29th in points per drive.

Tagovailoa came back from a rib injury to help a team that was on a four-game losing streak. He said that he is not solely responsible for the success of the Dolphins because of his experience.

He said that he wasn't the team's salvation. I don't just come in and win games. The deal is a team one. The defense gets us stops, the offense goes and puts points on the board, and the defense can help put points on the board. I just look at it as coming into this week and being myself. Don't try to make things happen. Don't try to make plays that aren't there, just give our players the ball and let them do their job.