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Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa flies back to Miami after horror head injury during game against Bengals

This was Tagovailoa's second blow to the head in less than a week with the player raising his hand in a 'fencing response,' indicative of brain injury

Update: Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa underwent additional testing Friday, September 30 and remained in the concussion protocol a day after he hit his head against the turf during a game.

Tagovailoa had a headache Thursday night (Sept 29) and Friday(Sept 30) morning, Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said. The injured player tweeted fans on Sept 30 evening, thanking fans for their support. "It was difficult to not be able to finish the game and be there with my teammates, but I am grateful for the support and care I've received from the Dolphins, my friends and family, and all the people who have reached out," he said. "I'm feeling much better and focused on recovering so I can get back out on the field with my teammates."

Tagovailoa was discharged Thursday night (Sept 29) and flew back to Miami with the team.

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CINCINNATI, OHIO: Miami Dolphins quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa had to be carried off the field on a stretcher after he suffered a head injury during the game on Thursday, September 29. Playing against the Cincinnati Bengals, Tagovailoa hit his head on the turf, in what is his second such incident in less than a week.

Having earlier sustained a similar injury to the head in a match less than five days ago, the star quarterback remained down for over seven minutes. Eventually, his face mask was removed and he was loaded on a backboard, stabilized, and carried off the field on a stretcher. This comes close on the heels of an investigation launched by the NFL players union into the Dolphins' handling of Tagovaioa's previous head injury.

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Official communication from the team revealed that Tagovailoa was conscious and had movement in all his extremities following the injury, reports CBS News. After his medical evaluation at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, he was expected to fly home with the team who suffered a 27-15 defeat at the hands of the Bengals. 

The Dolphins' quarterback was thrown down on the turf after getting sacked by defensive tackle Josh Tupou. Standing at 6'3" with a 340-pound build, the 28-year-old from Cincinnati spun Tagovailoa around before throwing him down. The latter's elbow hit the ground first, followed by the back of his helmet. He seemed to raise his hand in a "fencing response" which is an indication of brain injury according to Healthline. This prompted the team's trainers to run into the field and roll him off as everyone else looked on with concern. The crowd went alive with chants of "Tua! Tua" as the star quarterback was carted off the field midway during the second quarter of the game.

Tagovailoa's previous injury came during Sunday's match with Buffalo Bills when Miami Dolphins registered a 21-19 victory on September 25. The 24-year-old quarterback took a hard hit from the opposition's linebacker, Matt Milano and appeared disoriented. Despite this, he only missed three snaps and returned to the field after halftime, prompting the joint investigation being launched by the NFL and National Football League Players Association into the Dolphins' handling of the player's head injury. 

However, the team had clarified that it was Tagovailoa's back injury that resulted in the awkward fall. He had "hyper-extended" his back due to his legs getting caught under someone. They also stated that he was not in concussion protocol, reports the outlet. 

Now, with two major head injuries within a span of five days, the NFL Player's Association has raised concerns. Their tweet from September 30 reads, "Player health and safety is at the core of the union's mission. Our concern tonight is for Tua and we hope for a full and speedy recovery. Our investigation into the potential protocol violation is ongoing."