As the Dolphins prepare to return after missing four games with a concussion, Dolphins manager Tua Tagovailoa announced Monday that the Dolphins will avoid wearing the Guardian cap, which is believed to reduce the risk of concussions.
“It’s a personal choice,” he said.
The Guardian Cap creates an additional layer of softshell padding on top of a traditional football helmet. According to NFL research, it can absorb at least 10 percent of the force of an impact.
Teammate Devon Ashern wore one Sunday, but Tagovailoa decided not to.
But Tagovailoa added: “I have to be smarter and more available for the team, guys.”
What will Tagovailoa say to those concerned about his health after suffering his fourth concussion of his life (possibly his fifth overall) on Sept. 12 against Buffalo?
“Thank you for your concern,” he said. “I love this game, love it to death.”
Tagovailoa, who is eligible to practice this week after playing four games on injured reserve, could begin practice Wednesday if he clears the final stages of concussion protocol, starting Sunday against visiting Arizona (1 p.m. He is scheduled to appear on Fox at the time.
Tagovailoa also addressed other issues.
▪ Tagovailoa said he has not had any symptoms since his Sept. 12 concussion. He said he remembered almost everything about the hit and what happened after the game, except for some “spotty” areas while leaving the field.
▪ He said there had been no discussion of retirement, nor had he received any retirement advice, at least advice that he considered.
“My wife and I talked about it a little bit,” he said.
He said doctors told him he could continue his career, but no one advised him to retire.
■ He said his doctor did tell him about the long-term risks of frequent concussions.
“There’s a gray area when it comes to that, whether I know if I’m going to get a long-term illness or not. This (game) is what makes me happy. And I’m going to do it. That’s it. .
▪ Will Tagovailoa go against his doctor’s recommendation to take extended time off if he sustains a concussion in the future?
“It’s based on what the person feels,” he said. “If you feel like you can go (you can go). The reason this is becoming an issue is because of what happened two years ago (he apparently had two concussions in five days).
“We don’t look at hockey players and boxers the same way, and that’s becoming more of an issue here in the league.”
Multiple neurologists told the Miami Herald that Tagovailoa will likely be advised to take an extended period of rest following his concussion.
▪ Tagovailoa said of the many concussions he has had in his life: Do I want to be famous for this? no i don’t. But these are the cards I was dealt. ”
▪ He said: “I don’t put pressure on myself to save the team.”
▪ Did the Dolphins make a mistake by placing him on injured reserve and sidelining him for five games?
“What I know is that the team did what was best for me,” he said. “Given what the doctors told me, they gave me plenty of time to rest and recover and did their best to protect me from myself.”
▪ He said he has been throwing for weeks and has been throwing passes to Odell Beckham Jr., among others.
▪ How much risk is he taking by continuing to play?
“How much risk do we take when we wake up in the morning and drive to work? We could get into a car accident. Everything has risks. Every time we put on a suit, , I’m taking a risk that could result in injury. That’s it.
