Saban gives verdict on Tagovailoa’s return after concussion injury

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Nick Saban has shared his opinion on the return of his former quarterback Tua Tagovailoa following yet another concussion ordeal.

Tagovailoa, who played under Saban at Alabama, has not appeared in the last four Dolphins games after suffering a concussion in Week 2 – the third diagnosed concussion of his NFL career.

And while Saban said he was ‘happy’ for the quarterback to return under center for the Dolphins, the ex-Crimson Tide coach also has some qualms ahead of Miami’s matchup with the Cardinals.

‘I’m concerned that I want Tua to be safe and healthy and not have a football career that’s gonna impact him down the road,’ Saban said on the Pat McAfee Show.

‘If he wants to play… then I’m happy for him that he has the opportunity to play,’ he later said. ‘But I also pray for him that he doesn’t have any issues.’

Nick Saban and Tua Tagovailoa are seen during an Alabama-New Mexico State game in 2019

Tagovailoa is set to return this weekend following the third concussion of his NFL career

Tagovailoa is set to return this weekend following the third concussion of his NFL career

Saban also took aim at those questioning the Dolphins for allowing Tagovailoa back on the gridiron.

‘I think organizationally, this is a medical decision, this is not an organizational decision,’ he continued. ‘Now people look at [Tagovailoa] and say, ‘Why are they letting him play?’ I think the doctors make that decision, it’s a medical decision. Then, for him, it becomes personal then as to, ‘I really wanna play, I’m a competitor, I wanna play.’

‘He has to make a decision – is the risk reward from a medical standpoint worth it to you? And I think all those things are in play now.’

Tagovailoa officially cleared the NFL’s concussion protocol on Friday and is expected to start vs. Arizona.

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tagovailoa (1) aims the ball during Wednesday's practice

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tagovailoa (1) aims the ball during Wednesday’s practice

Saban appeared on the Pat McAfee Show and discussed Tagovailoa's return to the field

Saban appeared on the Pat McAfee Show and discussed Tagovailoa’s return to the field

He has also met with numerous medical experts who specialize in brain and head injuries since being diagnosed with the third concussion of his NFL career on Sept. 12.

The experts deemed it safe for him to return to football, Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said Monday. 

Nonetheless, there has been concern surrounding Tagovailoa’s health over the last six weeks and calls for the quarterback to retire. 

He’s not doing that (for now, at least), nor is he even wearing a Guardian cap, which are worn over helmets and designed to reduce head injuries. 

The league’s chief medical officer, Dr. Allen Sills, previously revealed that the NFL would not have any say in Tagovaiola’s playing future, per ESPN.

The Dolphins (2-4) went 1-3 without their starting quarterback and will now hope to get their season back on track. 

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