Mike McDaniel commented on Tua Tagovailoa’s situation

Mike McDaniel, the rookie head coach of the Houston Texans, says he doesn’t think star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered a concussion in Sunday’s game against the New England Patriots.

Tagovailoa was replaced by Ryan Fitzpatrick after taking a hit to the head from linebacker Elandon Roberts in the second quarter. The rookie quarterback appeared to be stunned by the hit and was taken to the locker room for evaluation.

Fitzpatrick led the Texans to a 27-20 comeback win, but after the game, McDaniel was asked about Tagovailoa’s status. “I don’t think so,” McDaniel said when asked if he thought Tagovailoa had suffered a concussion. “The spotter pulled him, and we’ll see where he’s at.”

McDaniel said the team will follow the concussion protocol with Tagovailoa and that the quarterback will be further evaluated Monday.

Tagovailoa has started the last five games for the Texans after taking over for an injured Fitzpatrick. He has thrown for 1,526 yards, 11 touchdowns and four interceptions in those five starts.

Mike McDaniel, Tagovailoa’s former coach at Saint Louis School in Honolulu, said that he was “ecstatic” to see his former pupil back on the field. “I’m so happy for him,” McDaniel said. “He’s worked so hard to get to this point, and I know it’s been a long road for him. He’s such a special kid, and I’m just really happy for him.”

McDaniel said he spoke with Tagovailoa earlier in the week and that the quarterback was feeling “pretty good” and was “excited to get back out there.”

“I think he’s just happy to be able to play again,” McDaniel said. “I know he was feeling pretty good this week, and he was excited to get back out there. I think he just wants to go out and play football.”

“Tua is in the concussion protocol,” McDaniel said. “He took a shot early in the game, and we’ll see where he’s at.”

Tagovailoa was replaced by veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick, who completed 11 of 18 passes for 89 yards and a touchdown in relief.