In the Miami Dolphins week four game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Miami quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered a scary head injury that briefly hospitalized him. While concussions are somewhat common in the NFL, this should never have happened.

In the previous week’s upset win over the Bills, Tagovailoa took a hit before the half that left him wobbling as he returned to the sideline.

He was listed as questionable and returned in the second half to help lead his team to a victory. After the game the Dolphins told the media that it was a back injury he sustained, and that is what caused him to wobble when trying to walk.

Although there was no official claim that Tagovailoa suffered a concussion, it was pretty clear that was likely the case. The young QB hit his head on the play he sustained his injury vs the Bills. The stumbling could’ve been a result of a back injury but walking off the field, he appeared to lose his balance and his behavior mimicked that of a person with a head injury.

Tagovailoa shook his head and grabbed at his helmet, showing obvious signs of a concussion.

Despite this, he never entered concussion protocol and was cleared to play the following Thursday. He was slammed to the ground in the late second quarter and hit his head hard. For a short while, he lost control over his nerves and his fingers began to clinch up. It was a scary sight as he was carted off the field and taken to a nearby hospital.

Luckily, Tagovailoa was in good enough condition to fly home with the team that night.

With the Thursday night injury, that makes it likely two concussions in only four days for the Miami QB. The neurotrauma consultant that cleared Tagovailoa was rightfully fired for allowing him to play that night.

While the Dolphins staff are the ones who cleared him, it is still raises questions about the NFL’s concussion protocol and the potential incompetence and neglect that can come with evaluating players.

The NFLPA is currently running an investigation into the unfortunate situation.

Image provided by Miami Dolphins at https://www.miamidolphins.com/team/players-roster/tua-tagovailoa/