Aaron Rodgers on Tua Tagovailoa: 'Maybe consider shutting it down' for the season

Tua Tagovailoa re-entered the concussion protocol and Aaron Rodgers said it might be time for the Miami Dolphins quarterback to shut it down for the season. Following Miami’s loss to Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Tagovailoa went back into the protocol for the second time this season.

The first time was a scary situation following back to back weeks of vicious hits to the former Alabama quarterback’s head. Rodgers said Tagovailoa would do what’s best for him but acknowledged taking care of the head is the most important for football players.

“It’s probably time to maybe consider shutting it down,” Rodgers said on the Pat McAfee Show. “When you’ve had some episodes, I don’t know if that’s going to be in the thought process, as a competitor, that’s the last thing you want. But at some point you do start thinking about your cognitive function later in life, after effects you might be dealing with.

“I mean the eyes of NFL Nation are probably on Miami now to see how they deal with this. And I like the kid. I think he’s a really good kid. And I like the way that he speaks and represents his team and goes about his business and I wish him all the healing necessary for his brain and just the patience and just to deal with this would be a difficult time, I’m sure, dealing with all the attention the doctors and the decision on what to do.”

In 13 appearances this season, Tagovailoa has 3,548 yards, 25 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. He has been a fan favorite all year as well, currently leading in Pro Bowl voting. However, his health has been a concern for many with the concussions piling on.

“I mean, I’m not saying not play again,” Rodgers said. “I think that there’s so much more research now about healing your brain and things you could do to combat gray matter and different long term concussion symptoms, but I just hope that he gets the right help to make the right decision for him. But no, I’m not talking about his career … There’s been a lot of quarterbacks over the years who have dealt with a lot of concussions. Steve Young being one of them, kind of had to retire because of the multiple shots that he took. And Steve today, he’s on TV, does a great job. He’s really sharp and doing great and has no lingering effects … 

“In this field, I think that that can help anybody who’s worried about their long term future but understand this season, you know, at least maybe for a week now again, they’re in a playoff hunt. They’ve got an important game against New England this week. Whether you want him in and now that comes into play within your mind and the team’s mind. I just hope he makes the best decision and I’m sure he will.”

The Dolphins (8-7) take on the New England Patriots (7-8) Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET.