Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa on Monday was placed in concussion protocol for the second time this season. He suffered the apparent injury during a 26-20 loss to the Packers on Christmas Day, in which he threw three crucial interceptions in the 4th quarter.
Now, Aaron Rodgers — who was on the opposing sideline — has spoken out on Tagovailoa's latest injury.
In an appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show," Rodgers said it could be time for the young signal-caller to consider ending his season.
MORE: Ex-NFL players call on Dolphins to shut down Tua Tagovailoa
"It's probably time to maybe consider shutting it down," Rodgers said. "I don't know if that's going to be in the thought process. As a competitor that's the last thing you want. But at some point you do start thinking about your cognitive function later in life, and the after effects you might be dealing with."
"I like the kid & the way he goes about his business.. I hope he makes the right decision for him & I know he will"@AaronRodgers12 chats about Tua Tagovailoa being back in concussion protocol #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/TnUApL5wU8
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) December 27, 2022
Tagovailoa and the Dolphins came under scrutiny earlier in the season after he was stretchered off with a scary head injury in Week 4 against the Bengals. Just five days prior to that, he had collapsed during a game against the Bills after hitting the turf hard. He returned in the second half and went on to finish the game.
The NFL and NFL Players Association launched a joint investigation in response to the incident, which found flaws in the outcome of the concussion protocol. It prompted a change to the protocol, with ataxia added to the list of so-called "no-go" symptoms that trigger a player's withdrawal from the game. Ataxia is described as abnormality of balance, motor coordinator or dysfunctional speed caused by a neurological issue.
MORE: Latest updates on Tua Tagovailoa's injury status
"The eyes of the NFL nation are probably on Miami now to see how they deal with this," Rodgers said. "I like the kid, I think he's a real good kid and I like the way that he speaks and represents his team and goes about his business. I wish him all the healing necessary for his brain and just the patience to deal with this, which will be a difficult time I'm sure."
"I just hope he gets the right help to make the right decision for him," he continued. "I'm not talking about [ending his] career. I don't think that's necessary... I'm just saying this season."
The Dolphins (8-7) have now lost four games in a row. They need wins in their next two games — against the Patriots and Jets — to clinch a spot in the playoffs. The first pivotal matchup against New England will take place this Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
