NFL and NFLPA agree on amendments to concussion protocol

The NFL and head injuries have a storied, shameful history — the latest chapter in the problematic book being the concussion of Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.

During Week 3 of the NFL season, Tagovailoa exhibited symptoms of ataxia, or an abnormality of motor coordination caused by a neurological issue, after being tackled and hitting the back of his head. Upon getting up, Tagovailoa grabbed his helmet, shook his head and fell after he took a few steps.

An independent neurologist diagnosed Tagovailoa with a back injury and he was allowed back into the game.

Four days later, in Week 4, the Dolphins quarterback endured a far more severe injury against the Cincinnati Bengals. Tagovailoa was violently slammed into the turf and hit the back of his head again — this time, the trauma induced a fencing posture.

Since the incidents, both the NFL and NFLPA have agreed that the situation was not handled correctly. Tagovailoa shouldn’t have returned in Week 3, nor started the next game.

In a joint statement on Saturday, the NFL and NFLPA changed the official concussion protocol following the controversial head injury circumstances with Tagovailoa.

Specifically, they added ataxia to the mandatory “no-go” symptom list that determines whether or not a player re-enters a game.

“What I find very confusing about it is why was ataxia or some sort of descriptor of that was never added in the first place,” said Dr. Jonathan Sum, a professor of clinical physical therapy at USC.

In an interview, Sum said he was happy to see improved concussion protocol policies but isn’t fully satisfied. Specifically, he wants more no-go criteria on the symptom list and additional spotters watching for potential injuries in the booth.

However, Sum sees ongoing problems with diagnosing concussions, pointing out, “if they’re not exhibiting symptoms, there’s really no way for us to see if that person did have head trauma.”

This uncertainty has been a focal point of debate long before the recent Tagovailoa situation. One example of the longstanding mistreatment was when the NFL failed to include concussions to quarterbacks Troy Aikman and Steve Young, who were both forced to retire due to repeated trauma, in a 1990s study.

Still, the NFL and NFLPA are taking more action than in the past by adding ataxia to the no-go symptom list.

NFL Chief Medical Officer Dr. Allen Sills commented on the addition of ataxia, recognizing a potential pitfall that some players who do not have concussions might get pulled out of games; yet, it’s a tradeoff the NFL and NFLPA accept.

“We’d rather hold someone out that doesn’t have a brain injury than put someone out there that does have a concussion, and we weren’t able to diagnose it,” Sills said.

Ironically, the backup Dolphins quarterback, Teddy Bridgewater, was the first player removed from a game under the new concussion policy.

Bridgewater has an unfortunate history of injuries over his career, including three previous concussions. After his first play, the official spotter saw Bridgewater “stumble” following a big tackle and removed him.

This decision prompted heavy criticism from fans, but for Bridgewater and his frightening injury history, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Along the same lines as the Bridgewater decision, the NFL endured a few controversial, game-altering “roughing the passer” penalties in Week 5. It’s clear that the NFL has taken a firm stance on protecting quarterbacks, but many are questioning their judgment.

Fox Sports broadcaster Skip Bayless weighed in on the debate, examining the hypocrisy behind criticizing roughing the passer penalties while also grilling the NFL on quarterback safety.

“You hypocrites out there cannot express RIGHTEOUS INDIGNATION over Tua, then be equally outraged over Brady getting the call after being slung down (just like Tua was at Cincy). TUA CHANGED EVERYTHING. CAN’T HAVE IT BOTH WAYS NOW,” Bayless wrote in a tweet Monday.

Going forward, every potential concussion and roughing the passer penalty will be analyzed more than ever — the NFL is under a microscope.

The situation with Tagovailoa sparked meaningful change, as now more than ever, player safety is at the forefront of everyone’s minds.