An unaffiliated doctor involved in the decision to release Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa after he was evaluated for a concussion in a recent game against Buffalo has been fired, according to an ESPN report Saturday.
ESPN, which quoted a National Football League source, said the neurotrauma consultant made “several errors” when assessing Tagovailoa, who appeared to have concussion symptoms after hitting his head on the floor in Sunday’s game.
According to the report, the source said the NFL Players Association chose to exercise its right to fire the doctor as part of an agreement with the league to fire an unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant without the agreement of the other. part.
The Players Association did not immediately respond when asked by Reuters to comment on the ESPN report while an NFL spokesperson sent inquiries to the players union.
Tagovailoa was allowed to stay in the game and four days later against the Cincinnati Bengals he was taken off the field on a stretcher after hitting the back of his head on the ground again when he was chased and thrown onto the grass.
The 24-year-old quarterback’s arms appeared to seize up almost immediately after the hit Thursday and he remained on the field for about seven minutes before being taken to hospital where he was diagnosed with a concussion.
The NFLPA has opened an investigation into the handling of Tagovailoa’s concussion evaluation during Sunday’s game and the sequence of events has raised questions about NFL concussion protocols.
Winston to miss Saints game in London
Jameis Winston will not play in New Orleans’ game against the Minnesota Vikings in London due to a back injury, the team confirmed on Saturday. The quarterback is expected to be replaced by Andy Dalton on Sunday at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
On Friday, Saints coach Dennis Allen said: “Our plan at the moment is to have Andy ready to go.” Taysom Hill also picked up reps this week behind Dalton, who started nine seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals. Another quarterback, Jake Luton, has been added to the practice squad’s active roster.