Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa decided not to wear a Guardian cap after returning from his latest concussion, instead hoping to play more cautiously than he’s used to. Since my return to the field, he did a good job avoiding reckless plays — with one exception.

Tagovailoa has managed to keep his often reckless instincts from kicking in when he has the ball, but those instincts took over Monday when the ball was in the opponent’s hands. Tagovailoa attempted a diving tackle after throwing an interception, sparking serious concerns about another head injury.

Fortunately, the 26-year-old avoided the shock of the collision and showed no signs of injury. He finishes the game and leads the Dolphins to their third victory of the seasonwhich marked its first victory since week 1.

Here’s a look at Tagovailoa’s scary tackle attempt and fans’ reaction to the decision.

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Tua Tagovailoa tackle against the Rams

Tagovailoa lowered his head to try to tackle Christian Rozeboom, who returned an interception.

TUA. WHY ARE YOU TRYING TO ATTACK HIM WITH YOUR HEAD
pic.twitter.com/FNZunYglD6

– SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) November 12, 2024

The Dolphins star took a knee to the head, immediately sparking fears he may have suffered another head injury. Tagovailoa has a long history of concussionand the concussion he suffered against the Bills in September created conversations about his future in the NFL.

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Tagovailoa remained committed to getting back on the field, and he returned after missing the minimum of four games on IR. He’s committed to reducing some of the recklessness in his game, especially after September’s concussion appeared to be avoidable, but Monday night’s diving tackle attempt is a play that can be characterized as reckless considering the ramifications that would arise from another concussion.

After the victory, Tagovailoa was able laugh at the moment. “I wasn’t planning on using my head to hit him,” he said, calling it “very poor tackling form.”

Tua Tagovailoa on his tackle following his interception: “I feel good, everything is good… I didn’t plan to use my head to go and hit him… Pretty bad tackle, pretty terrible.” (@MiamiDolphins) #GoFins pic.twitter.com/EHJBDcUIg5

– FinsXtra (@FinsXtra) November 12, 2024

Tagovailoa confirmed he felt fine and said he joked about it with Rozeboom after the match.

When asked about the tackle, coach Mike McDaniel instead challenged Tagovailoa not to put himself in that position to begin with. “I think the best way to do that is to not throw it at the opponent,” McDaniel said. told reporters.

Fans and pundits all had the same reaction to Tagovailoa’s tackle attempt:

Everyone watches Tua Tagoaviloa lower his head during this tackle attempt pic.twitter.com/dzb44dfAWo

– Kyle Yates (@KyleYNFL) November 12, 2024

Trying to tackle with your head is certainly a choice.

– Trevor Knapp (@KnappBets) November 12, 2024

Tua cannot attempt to tackle. But not smart.

–Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) November 12, 2024

Tua Tagovailoa should not make tackles

–Adam Beasley (@AdamHBeasley) November 12, 2024

My whole body froze when I saw Tua lead with his head to tackle the defender.

– Ben Houselog (@benlikessport) November 12, 2024

In Tagovailoa’s defense, he appears to be trying to get his head out of the way and stop Rozeboom’s momentum with his back. This prevented a head-on collision between the two players, but Rozeboom’s knee still collided with Tagovailoa’s head.

Although the Dolphins might want to prevent Rozeboom from gaining a few extra yards on the interception return, a healthy Tagovailoa is more critical to Miami’s chances of getting back into the playoffs than any outcome the game could have produced.