![](https://www1.cbn.com/sites/default/files/media/slider/images/tuainjury_hdv.jpg)
Christians, NFL players, and fans are praying for Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa after he suffered from a serious head and neck injury Thursday night during a matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.
In the second quarter, the third-year player was slammed to the ground, hitting the back of his head on the ground when he was sacked by Bengals nose tackle Josh Tupou.
Tagovailoa’s hands and arms seized up immediately in a shocking moment that indicated immediate danger to his health.
Dolphins Coach Mike McDaniel said Tua called for him when he went down.
“It’s an emotional moment. It’s not a part of the deal you sign up for. His teammates and myself were very concerned, but he got checked out and it’s nothing more serious than a concussion,” he said.
Tagovailoa was lifted off the field onto a stretcher after laying on the field motionless for nearly 10 minutes.
The 24-year-old was taken to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center for evaluation. Before the end of the game, a Dolphins’ spokesperson said he was “conscious” and “had movement in all his extremities.”
Perry Stone, the founder of Perry Stone Ministries, wrote on Facebook that Tua’s father, Galu, is thankful for “prayer warriors and intercessors.”
“We and thousands of others began to pray,” Stone said. “Here is the report I received from his father: ‘Tua is doing well. Praise God for prayer warriors and intercessors! All scans negative. Nothing torn and nothing broken. No internal bleeding. Neck is still sore so they are keeping him in a neck brace. MRI when they get home. Returning with the team. Hallelujah. Thank you, Jesus!”
Concussion Concerns
Despite the positive report, former NFL players and fans are concerned because Tagovailoa returned to the field in the Bengals matchup just four days after suffering a head and neck injury against the Buffalo Bills.
The helmet protects the skull from fracture it doesn’t protect the brain from injury. My Tua thoughts: pic.twitter.com/CjBYsxmbuT
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) September 30, 2022
That’s a serious injury . Tua shouldn’t have been out there with Sunday Thursday turn around. Sometimes players need protecting from themselves. Dolphins failed Tua
— shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe) September 30, 2022
Tua was concussed on SUNDAY!!!! Today is THURSDAY!!!! Now he hit his head again!!!Everyone played PC like he injured his back. This is UGLY!!Sending
— Jalen Rose (@JalenRose) September 30, 2022
Neuroscientist and ConcussionLegacy Foundation CEO, Chris Nowinski, Ph.D., warned hours before the start of the game that if Tua took the field it could be dangerous for his wellbeing.
“If Tua takes the field tonight, it’s a massive step back for #concussion care in the NFL,” he tweeted. “If he has a 2nd concussion that destroys his season or career, everyone involved will be sued & should lose their jobs, coaches included. We all saw it, even they must know this isn’t right.”
Nowinski later shared a video of Tua’s hit and called for NFL medical staff to be fired.
This is a disaster. Pray for Tua. Fire the medical staffs and coaches. I predicted this and I hate that I am right. Two concussions in 5 days can kill someone. This can end careers. How are we so stupid in 2022. pic.twitter.com/D8S8eEbgda
— Chris Nowinski, Ph.D. (@ChrisNowinski1) September 30, 2022
Players noted that although Tua got hit Sunday during the game against the Bills, it was classified as a back injury. He was allowed to continue to play in that game and the game against the Bengals.
The NFLPA reportedly is investigating the Dolphins’ handling of Tagovailoa’s concussion protocol from last Sunday.
“Player health and safety is at the core of the union’s mission,” read a statement. “Our concern tonight is for Tua and we hope for a full and speedy recovery. Our investigation into the potential protocol violation is ongoing.”
Prayers for Tua
Meanwhile, other players are showing their support for the Hawaii-native through prayer.
for tua. May god be with you and hopefully okay. The staff in UC hospital do a great job with care. Your in great hands. #DolphinsvsBengals
— Ryan Shazier (@RyanShazier) September 30, 2022
Prayers up for TUA! That is heartbreaking to see.
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) September 30, 2022
Seeing that Tua got me shook. That was scary. Especially as Former Player. It’s tough and rough out there between them lines. Violent af. Traumatic Brain Injury’s need to be taken more seriously. Prayers up to Tua and everybody on the Field!
— Brandon Bostick (@Bostick11) September 30, 2022
Tua has always stood on his Christian faith in times of uncertainty and adversity.
“The greatest gift that God could have given us was His Son. It’s not just a matter of hearing what Jesus Christ is, it’s a matter of getting to know who Jesus Christ is. To really understand and really feel the identity of who you are because of things that He’s done. And I’d say you can only find your identity through Him if you know Him,” Tagovailoa previously said.
The remainder of this article is available in its entirety at CBN