The Dolphins came away from Sunday’s early afternoon action by beating the juggernaut Bills (+4.5) — one of the biggest wins in recent franchise memory. They even won despite a hilarious “Butt Punt” that might have played into their favor in the end. But their explanation for a Tua Tagovailoa injury might cloud what they accomplished after finishing a 3-0 start to their season.

After a hit from Buffalo’s Matt Milano forced Tagovailoa to leave the game for a bit late in the first half, it sure seemed like the Dolphins’ signal-caller suffered a concussion of some sort. He certainly didn’t seem to be doing well when he stumbled some after the blow:

Tua Tagovailoa visibly unsteady after taking late hit from Matt Milano and hitting his head on the turf. #FinsUp #BUFvsMIA pic.twitter.com/ykmhN62qhX

— Diandra Loux (@Diandra_loux) September 25, 2022

Tagovailoa would return to the game, suggesting the NFL’s concussion protocol probably has little actual weight. In the post-game, Tagovailoa said he feels “good.” What’s more, he said he injured his back, and that’s why he stumbled around. Huh?

said he got his legs caught under someone and felt like he hyperextended his back on the QB sneak — and that his back locked up on him on the RTP penalty, that’s why he stumbled https://t.co/oR4p2OFJta

— Marcel Louis-Jacques (@Marcel_LJ) September 25, 2022

Yeah, while that’s certainly possible from this non-medical professional’s opinion, I’m not buying it. It sounds more like a company line from Tagovailoa to cover for a questionable concussion check rather than a “real” back injury.

The NFLPA seems to agree, and they will now be investigating the Dolphins:

The NFLPA is initiating an investigation into the handling of #Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa’s concussion check during their game against the #Bills today in Miami, per source.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 25, 2022

Oh, man. That doesn’t sound great at first glance. Let’s remember that the Dolphins’ initial report on Tagovailoa’s status was a head injury, too:

Tua said he had a back injury but passed a concussion test. Initial injury report from Dolphins said he had a head injury. https://t.co/gxty0DEBAc

— Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) September 25, 2022

Whatever happens with Tagovailoa and the Dolphins’ (nonexistent?) concussion check, this might only be the start of a shameful story about failing to protect a player’s health.