Tua Tagovailoa Refuses to Wear Guardian Cap Despite Concussion Concerns

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has made it clear that he will not wear a Guardian Cap when he returns to the field, despite recent concussion issues. The Guardian Cap is an extra layer of protection designed to reduce the impact of helmet-to-helmet hits, a concern particularly relevant given Tagovailoa’s history with concussions.

In a recent press conference, Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel announced that Tagovailoa is set to return to practice on Wednesday and is expected to play against the Arizona Cardinals in Week Eight, provided he clears the concussion protocol. However, when asked about wearing the Guardian Cap, Tagovailoa stated it was a “personal choice” and opted not to use the additional protection.

This decision comes after Tagovailoa suffered a concussion in a Week Two game against the Buffalo Bills. Despite the injury, he has not experienced any concussion symptoms since the day after the incident and has not considered retiring from the sport. Tagovailoa emphasized his love for the game, stating that playing football “is what makes me happy and I’m gonna do it”.

The decision is in contrast to that of Dolphins running back De'Von Achane, who wore a Guardian Cap in his return from a concussion against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. The differing approaches highlight the ongoing debate about the effectiveness and necessity of the Guardian Cap in preventing or reducing the severity of concussions.

Tagovailoa’s stance has sparked a mix of reactions, with some fans and commentators expressing concern over his safety and others respecting his personal choice. The quarterback will need to participate in practice and clear the concussion protocol before being fully cleared to play).