Raiders' Pierce on Tua: 'I would inform him to retire'

Throughout a information convention Friday, Las Vegas Raiders coach Antonio Pierce stated Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa ought to retire after struggling his third recognized concussion in as many seasons.

Tagovailoa left Miami’s loss to the Buffalo Bills on Thursday evening after a success to the helmet prompted a fencing response — a time period used to explain an individual’s arms going into an unnatural place — within the fifth-year quarterback. He was capable of exit the sphere underneath his personal energy and was instantly positioned into the concussion protocol. Tagovailoa missed 5 video games in the course of the 2022 season due to two different recognized concussions, plus a 3rd hit to the top that led to the NFL altering its concussion coverage.

When requested for his response to Tagovailoa’s current damage, Pierce, who performed 9 seasons within the NFL, prompt Tagovailoa prioritize his well being and household.

“I will be sincere, I would inform him to retire. It is not value it,” Pierce stated. “Taking part in the sport, I have never witnessed something like what’s occurred to him 3 times. Scary — you may see immediately; the gamers’ faces on the sphere. You can see the sense of urgency from everyone to get Tua assist. I simply assume in some unspecified time in the future — he’ll stay longer than he’ll play soccer. Maintain your loved ones.”

Pierce wasn’t the one NFL coach to opine on the matter Friday.

Jacksonville Jaguars coach Doug Pederson, whose staff performed the Dolphins in Week 1, stated he would not know the entire scenario however emphasised that the participant’s well being have to be prioritized in these situations.

“If it was considered one of our guys, it’s a must to be very cautious and do the best factor for the participant. I believe that is an important factor,” Pederson stated. “It is a part of the sport that clearly we’re making an attempt to take away; I simply do not know if we are able to totally take away it due to the character of those hits. I believe you simply should proceed to consider the participant and the well being and security of the participant and ensuring they’re 1,000 p.c wholesome. These are simply selections that I believe, personally, as a participant it’s a must to take into account as you consider your profession.

“Everyone desires to play, they usually love this recreation a lot they usually give a lot to it that, when issues like this occur, actuality type of hits somewhat bit, and it exhibits the human facet of our sport.”

Pederson can be an NFL veteran, having performed seven seasons earlier than retiring in 2004.

Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel spoke to the media Friday morning and stated he’s not targeted on Tagovailoa’s return to soccer. As his quarterback left the sphere Thursday evening, McDaniel instructed Tagovailoa to give attention to his household in the interim.

McDaniel additionally implored followers and media to permit Tagovailoa to give attention to his well being earlier than discussing the potential for his return or retirement.

“You are speaking about his profession — his profession is his,” he stated. “I simply want that individuals would for a second hear what I am saying, that mentioning his future just isn’t in one of the best curiosity of him. So, I will plead with everyone that does genuinely care that that ought to be the very last thing in your thoughts.”

McDaniel didn’t look like responding to anybody particular; he spoke earlier than Pederson or Pierce made their feedback. He stated he doesn’t see Tagovailoa enjoying within the Dolphins recreation subsequent week towards the Seattle Seahawks, however added that the one opinions that matter are Tagovailoa’s and that of any physician who evaluates him.