NFL players didn't want to see Tua Tagovailoa play on Thursday night, and for a good reason.
The Dolphins quarterback exited Miami's "Thursday Night Football" game in Cincinnati with a head injury in the second quarter after getting slammed to the ground: Tagovailoa display the so-called "fencing" response as his hands and body went rigid following the hit.
Tagovailoa has movement in his extremities and is responsive, according to the Dolphins. He was transported to a local trauma center for further testing.
Tua Tagovailoa has been taken to a local hospital for further evaluation. He is conscious and has movement in all his extremities.
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) September 30, 2022
MORE: Tua Tagovailoa injury history — Lengthy record back to college paints dreary picture
Following the injury, there was an outpouring of love and well-wishes for Tagovailoa, but there was also a lot more to the discussion.
After his controversial return to play in the Dolphins' Week 3 matchup vs. the Bills — when Tagovailoa seemingly suffered a head injury that was later termed a back injury — many were wondering why and how he was cleared to play on a short week.
NFL players, current and former, analysts and others reacted to Tagovailoa's injury in Week 3 and how it was handle, with most agreeing that the passer shouldn't have seen the field Thursday night:
Prayers up man… buddy wasn’t post to be playing anyways.🙏🏾
— Darius Slay (@bigplay24slay) September 30, 2022
It was no reason that man should of been in the game. SMH. Protect yourself because some people only see you as a football player.
— Matthew Judon (@man_dammn) September 30, 2022
Truth be told Tua should probably never have been playing.
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) September 30, 2022
He displayed neurological trauma last week, we disregarded it, labeled it a “back injury” & let him back in the game.
Now, the whole world watch as he lay on the field helpless. When will we put player safety FIRST!
There are so many reasons Tua shouldn’t have played tonight, and so many people - adults who know better - that allowed it.
— Andrew Brandt (@AndrewBrandt) September 30, 2022
There will be lawyers.
I really hope Tua’s “back” injury has nothing to do with this very apparent head injury tonight. As we know repetitive head trauma can be detrimental long-term. In my opinion I see a lot of similarities to tonights injury and the “back “injury only 4 days ago..
— Golden Tate (@ShowtimeTate) September 30, 2022
Can’t believe that the Miami training staff let Tua play this week after EVERYONE seen him unstable and falling over himself 4 DAYS AGO..
— Tyus Bowser™ (@tbowser23) September 30, 2022
Backup QB Teddy Bridgewater entered the game in relief of Tagovailoa.
