NFL, union: No violations of concussion protocol handling for Tua

The NFL and NFLPA say they found no violations of the concussion protocol after determining Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa didn't exhibit concussion symptoms in last Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers.

"The joint review determined the protocol was not triggered. The protocol is initiated when a player receives an impact to the head and exhibits or reports signs or symptoms suggestive of a concussion. The review established that symptoms of a concussion were neither exhibited nor reported until the following day, at which time the team medical personnel appropriately evaluated and placed Mr. Tagovailoa in the concussion protocol," the league and union said in a joint statement.

Tagovailoa played every snap in the loss to the Packers. An investigation was launched following his placement in the concussion protocol Monday after self-reporting symptoms to team doctors.

The 24-year-old has been in concussion protocol twice this season. His first placement in the protocol came in a Week 4 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals after the back of his head hit the ground. The incident, which resulted in a brief hospitalization, came after Tagovailoa stumbled after getting up from another big hit the week prior, though he only missed three plays before returning in that Week 3 contest.

Tagovailoa's earlier stint in the concussion protocol also led to an NFL investigation that resulted in modifications to the protocol and the termination of an unaffiliated neurotrauma consultant due to how the QB's situation was handled in Week 3.

The former fifth overall pick was ruled out for Sunday's game against the New England Patriots. He's thrown for 25 touchdowns to eight interceptions while putting up an 8-5 record across 13 starts this season.

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