NFL & NFLPA Agree To Modify Concussion Protocols After Tua Tagovailoa Suffers Injury Plus Unaffiliated Neurotrauma Consultant Involved In Medical Evaluation Fired

deadline.com:

The National Football League (NFL) and the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) have issued a joint statement in the aftermath of the investigation into the application of the Concussion Protocol involving Miami Dolphins’ quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.

Although the investigation in that case remains ongoing, the NFL and NFLPA have acknowledged that “modifications to the Concussion Protocol are needed to enhance player safety.” “The NFLPA’s Mackey-White Health & Safety Committee and the NFL’s Head Neck and Spine Committee have already begun conversations around the use of the term ‘Gross Motor Instability’ and we anticipate changes to the protocol being made in the coming days based on what has been learned thus far in the review process,” the joint statement read.

Furthermore, the NFL and NFLPA say that they “have not made any conclusions about medical errors or protocol violations.” This statement comes after earlier in the day the NFLPA fired the neurotrauma consultant who evaluated Tagovailoa following an injury to the head on September 25 during a match against the Buffalo Bills.

The quarterback was seen struggling to walk after the hit and had to be helped off the field. Tagovailoa was cleared to play in the Thursday Night Football match against the Cincinnati Bengals and a tackle by Josh Tupou sent the Dolphins star down to the turf backward.