Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has been given the green light to make his triumphant return to the gridiron this Sunday as the team faces off against the Arizona Cardinals. This news comes as a relief to fans and teammates alike, as Tagovailoa has been sidelined with a concussion earlier this season.
However, what is perhaps more intriguing than his return to play is Tagovailoa’s decision not to wear a guardian cap, despite his history of head injuries. In a recent press conference, the dynamic quarterback made it clear that he has no intentions of donning the extra protective gear on his helmet.
Critics were quick to voice their concerns over Tagovailoa’s choice, given his susceptibility to concussions in the past. One such individual, neuroscientist Chris Nowinski, offered a different perspective on the matter. He took to social media to defend Tagovailoa, stating, “Give Tua Tagovailoa a break on the Guardian Cap. All 3 of his 2022 concussions were from falling back & his head striking the ground. Adding 14 ounces to his helmet would make head-to-ground impacts even more likely. Better off never hitting the ground vs. hitting it with a pad.”
Despite the potential benefits of the guardian cap, it appears that Tagovailoa and his team have opted to prioritize a different approach to safeguarding his health on the field. As Nowinski pointed out, the quarterback’s previous concussions have occurred as a result of head-to-ground impacts, making the effectiveness of the additional padding questionable in this particular scenario.
With Tagovailoa set to make his much-anticipated return this weekend, fans are left to wonder what the future holds for the young playmaker. Will he be able to stay healthy and lead his team to victory, or will concerns over his well-being overshadow his on-field performance? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain – all eyes will be on Tagovailoa as he takes the field once again.
