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Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has taken ability for a frightening moment during Sunday's game against the Houston Texans, where his led to a devastating head injury for teammate Grant DuBose.
The second-year wide receiver was carted off the field in a neck brace following a violent collision with Texans defender Calen Bullock.
While the Dolphins have since shared positive updates on DuBose's condition, Tagovailoa expressed deep remorse during the post-game press conference.
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"I'm my toughest critic when it comes to ball placement and decision-making," Tagovailoa itted.
"I feel bad that I even put him in that situation to have gotten hit. It was tough to move on after that happened."
Injury sparked fear on the field
The injury occurred as DuBose reached to catch a over the middle of the field. Bullock's helmet collided with DuBose, causing his head to whip back and slam into the turf. DuBose lay motionless as medics rushed to his side.
Medical personnel treated the receiver for several minutes on the field, cutting off his jersey and unscrewing his helmet before placing him on a backboard with an oxygen mask. An EKG machine was attached as he was transported to Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston.
Despite the severity of the situation, the Dolphins released an encouraging update on Monday, sharing that DuBose had movement in all extremities and that initial tests had "revealed positive results." The team confirmed that he remains under medical observation but is recovering.
Tagovailoa, no stranger to the risks of head injuries, emphasized the weight of the incident. Having suffered three concussions in his career, he acknowledged the lasting impact such injuries can have.
"I heard some good news that [DuBose] is doing well, but I know firsthand how tough these situations are. It's no fun," Tagovailoa said.
"You never want to put a teammate in harm's way, and I keep thinking about what I could have done differently."
The quarterback also pointed out the inherent dangers of the sport.
"Football is a physical, sport, but moments like this are always difficult to process," he added.
The Dolphins are hopeful as DuBose continues to recover in Houston. The team's prayers, along with those of fans and teammates, remain with him as he undergoes further evaluation.
For Tagovailoa, this serves as another stark reminder of the delicate balance between the competitiveness of football and the responsibility players have to protect one another.