To a man, no one wants Tua Tagovailoa back on the field this season.
The Dolphins quarterback has had quite the year: He's enjoying his career-best season, but he's also dealt with a trio of concussions that has sparked a debate over his playing status the remainder of the year.
The Dolphins passer suffered a concussion at some point during Miami's Christmas matchup vs. the Packers, and it's unclear whether or not the concussion played into the three-interception performance. It's also unclear whether or not Tagovailoa will play another snap for Miami this season.
MORE: Latest updates on Tua Tagovailoa after reentering concussion protocol
Tagovailoa missed two games earlier in the season after suffering a concussion and being carted off vs. Cincinnati, and Miami head coach Mike McDaniel said on Monday that Tagovailoa was in concussion protocol, putting down on whether or not he may play this weekend vs. New England.
It isn't entirely clear when Tagovailoa suffered the latest concussion; Some have pointed to a play at 2:40 remaining in the first half, when he was taken down and his head bounced off the turf.
Sadly, it happened.
— Chris Nowinski, Ph.D. (@ChrisNowinski1) December 27, 2022
Tua Tagovailoa is in the #concussion protocol after reporting symptoms today, likely from this play in Q2 ⬇️. Missed by team again, despite poor play & 3 INT's after. 3rd concussion of season-no doctor in their right mind can clear him this year. Season over. https://t.co/qbZLlgvk5S pic.twitter.com/NcMb5ZGOf4
Former players have used their platforms to urge the league, the Dolphins and Tagovailoa to step away for the remainder of the season, to protect the player. Some have even called into question whether or not Tagovailoa should ever lace up a pair of cleats again.
The most notable voice came from the "Monday Night Countdown" panel. Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III delivered an impassioned plea for Tagovailoa to protect himself and stay off the field:
Tua’s long term health is more important than playing again this year.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) December 26, 2022
Tua shouldn’t play anymore this year.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) December 27, 2022
Put the PERSON before the player. pic.twitter.com/j4vX2W3ZPX
"I'm more concerned with Tua and his longevity of life than I am whether he's gonna play on Sunday," Griffin said on "Monday Night Countdown."
Griffin's sentiment was echoed by Booger McFarland.
"Tua Tagovailoa shouldn't play any more this season if the NFL is serious about health and safety and concussions," McFarland said.
I watched my draft-mate, Luke Kuechly, retire at age 28 after three concussions.
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) December 26, 2022
Tua Tagovailoa shouldn’t play again this year, there’s no exception. #FinsUp pic.twitter.com/yXloYnlZRE
Other ex-NFL players also teamed up to urge Tua to step away, not just for the season, but for his career:
LeSean McCoy says on FS1's "Speak" at this point with the multiple concussions Tua Tagovailoa should retire for his safety.
— Kelsey Nicole Nelson (KNN) (@therealknelson) December 26, 2022
Just seeing the news about tua.. if indeed it’s another concussion he has think long and hard about continuing to play this game ever again.. period
— Charles Woodson (@CharlesWoodson) December 26, 2022
"Just seeing the news about tua.. if indeed it’s another concussion he has think long and hard about continuing to play this game ever again.. period," Hall of Famer Charles Woodson tweeted.
Tua Tagovailoa should not play the rest of the year. Should be reevaluated at the beginning of next season to see if he is ready. My gut feeling is that he should walk away from the game.
— Gary Ellerson (@GaryEllerson) December 27, 2022
