Miami Dolphins

Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is back in concussion protocol, head coach Mike McDaniel announced Monday. The QB's status for Miami's Week 17 matchup ...

He previously filled in for Tagovailoa in Week 5 as the starter. [announced](https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-nflpa-joint-statement-on-investigation-into-handling-of-dolphins-qb-tua-tago) in a joint-statement on Oct. 8 that while "the step-by-step process outlined in the concussion protocol was followed, the outcome in this case was not what was intended" with Tagovailoa's concussion evaluation on Sept. 29 -- Tagovailoa was taken by ambulance to a local hospital after [suffering a concussion](https://www.nfl.com/news/dolphins-qb-tua-tagovailoa-exits-thursday-s-game-after-suffering-apparent-head-i) on a sack in the first half. In the Dolphins' ensuing game -- a [Week 4 loss](https://www.nfl.com/games/dolphins-at-bengals-2022-reg-4) to the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. [Week 3 win](https://www.nfl.com/games/bills-at-dolphins-2022-reg-3) over the Bills in the first half with what was initially announced by Miami as a head injury.

Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has returned to the NFL's concussion protocol, Miami coach Mike McDaniel said Monday.

He appeared to show concussion symptoms but was evaluated and stayed in the game. The NFL later changed its concussion protocol to mandate that any player who shows possible concussion symptoms – including a lack of balance or stability – sit out the remainder of a game. I can’t really tell you exactly what it was,” McDaniel said, adding that he got the news Monday afternoon.

Now Showing. 3:08. NFL: Packers 26, Dolphins 20 · Up Next. 1:20. Must See: Tagovailoa connects with Waddle for big touchdown · 1:43. Orlovsky: Tagovailoa's 4th ...

After going 9-for-12 with 229 yards and a TD in the first half, Tagovailoa was held to seven completions on 13 attempts for 84 yards in the second half. Tagovailoa's would have to advance through the NFL's five-step process to be cleared to exit the concussion protocol and play next week. They can make the postseason with a win at New England and a Jets loss against Seattle in Week 17. The Dolphins again have a precarious hold on the final AFC wild-card spot. Hill caught just one pass for 20 yards in the second half. It's not clear whether the hit Tagovailoa took in the second quarter affected his play. Tagovailoa missed two games earlier this season after he was knocked out on a scary hit in Week 4 at Cincinnati. Miami coach Mike McDaniel said he doesn’t know for sure if Tagovailoa was concussed on the play. Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill continue to make game-changing plays. Then he came back and Miami won five straight, improving to 8-3 and moving into first place in the AFC East. Then the Titans beat them 34-3, dismantling their playoff hopes. “It’s too soon to really tell,” McDaniel said.

Teddy Bridgewater will get first-team work in practice during the week, but starter uncertain for Week 17 game at New England.

I take that seriously, so I just want him to get healthy and have peace of mind in that regard. “I just want guys to really be done right by the information we have, the science and all the medical expertise that we rely on," McDaniel said. "