Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa had all the NFL world involved following his concussion in Week 4 in opposition to the Cincinnati Bengals in addition to his absence within the last three video games of the 2022 season thanks to a different concussion sustained on Christmas Day in opposition to the Green Bay Packers. Both incidents have known as into query the protection of Tagovailoa persevering with to play soccer.
So a lot in order that his collegiate head coach, Alabama’s Nick Saban, addressed the difficulty on Wednesday. Saban has famously stated up to now that he does not have time to look at his former gamers carry out within the NFL on Sunday’s as a result of he’s buried in work to organize for the subsequent Crimson Tide soccer recreation. For Saban to carry up Tagovailoa’s struggles probably means it is a important deal to the legendary head coach.
“I hate it that he is having these points and issues,” Saban stated on Stephen A. Smith’s “Know Mercy” podcast. “I’d belief the medical employees to make the fitting selections and choices for his security, his future. I’d like to see him proceed to have the ability to play and have success, however I do not need him to place himself in danger both. I feel any time that guys begin having a number of concussions, it is a trigger for concern. But once more, I feel that is bought to be type of, ‘How regarding is it?’ is a medical query that must be answered by some people who find themselves consultants in that area.”
Tagovailoa has missed eight video games throughout the final two NFL seasons, and his Alabama profession ended early due to a hip damage in opposition to Mississippi State in November 2019.
“He struggled right here a little bit bit with some accidents – a few ankle accidents, clearly the hip damage that he labored onerous to beat,” Saban stated. “I like Tua. He’s an amazing particular person. I like to inform the story, for those who ask Tua, ‘How you doing at present?’ the one participant I’ve ever coached that might say, ‘Great, coach. Thanks for asking.'”
Tagovailoa had one of the best yr of his skilled profession in 2022 underneath first-year head coach Mike McDaniel, main the NFL in passer ranking (105.5) and yards per cross try (8.9). In an try to restrict the concussions, Tagovailoa is taking over martial arts coaching this offseason with the objective of falling in a safer method. Naturally, his damage historical past has given the Dolphins pause when assessing whether or not or to not choose up his totally assured, fifth-year possibility. The deadline to take action is May 1.
“I can not lie and say no,” Miami Dolphins basic supervisor Chris Grier stated this offseason when requested how Tagovailoa’s well being impacts future contract choices. “But it isn’t one thing that’s going to make us afraid to do one thing long run with him. The one factor he is had — he is been banged up, however he all the time comes again and bounces again and performs onerous and performs, so [we’re] excited for his future. Excited [from] watching him do all of the work he is been doing within the offseason proper now to organize for 2023, and he is very excited to get again on the sphere along with his teammates.”
