Dolphins QB injury raises concern among former NFL players

HONOLULU (KHON) — Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa recovers at his South Florida home after he was thrown onto the turf and carted off the field on a stretcher with injuries to his head and neck during Thursday night’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

A flurry of support and concerns over Tagovailoa’s safety erupted immediately after Thursday’s game, along with questions as to whether he should have played that day at all.

Even for members of the National Football League, it came as a shock to see the Hawaii native being thrown onto the turf and his reaction. They also immediately raised concerns about his safety.

“I was devastated. I got a lot of messages from friends across the mainland and in Hawaii,” said former NFL player Leo Goeas.

“It was definitely a scary sight,” added former NFL player Chad Owens. “I’ve been to games where boys were taken off the stretcher. It’s never fun to watch, especially with someone like Tua.”

Viewers were concerned not only about his immediate health, but also about the young quarterback’s future.

“Understand gravity and how brutal and violent this game is and just pray for something that won’t be long-term,” said former NFL player Rich Miano.

Tagovailoa was injured during Sunday’s game. The team spoke of a back injury. And now the Dolphins are facing a lot of criticism for letting him play on Thursday.

The NFL Players Association is investigating.

“In a short week, a turnaround from Sunday to Thursday, you put the player at risk, even if it’s just a back injury. You’re not going to heal in such a short time,” Owens said.

“You just hope that it was diagnosed correctly the first time, and you hope that no one who only thought about winning was complicit,” said Miano.

Miami’s head coach said all safety protocols were being followed.

“I wouldn’t have put him out there if I had any inclination for him to endanger himself,” said Mike McDaniel.

Former players, meanwhile, have spoken of the pressure on a player to get back on the field – even when injured.

“You want to go out every Sunday and be with your teammates and do all of that. But when it comes to your head, your brain, it can have lifelong implications,” Goeas said.