Dolphins' Tua Tagovailoa Learns From Concussion Experience

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa admitted Wednesday that he doesn't remember much about sustaining a concussion during his team's loss to the Cincinnati Bengals late last month.

Tagovailoa acknowledged that he remembered being taken down by Bengals nose tackle Josh Tupou during that game on Sept. 29. His memory of the night's events gets a bit hazier from there, he said.

"There was a point I was unconscious," Tagovailoa said. "I remember the entire night up until the point I got tackled.

"I don't remember being carted off. I do remember some things from the ambulance and the hospital."

Tagovailoa also admitted he learned a great deal about concussions since being sidelined.

"It's been a process, that's for sure," Tagovailoa said. "Having to deal with the interviews with the NFL and NFLPA, and then having to go see doctors outside with second opinions, a lot of it has been pretty stressful, but all of it is done for player safety, and I'm glad that I got to go through those things to understand more of the deals of concussions and the facts, long-term, short-term things like that."

Tagovailoa has sat out Miami's last two games -- both losses. He cleared concussion protocol last week and is in line to start Sunday night's game against the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers (2-4).

Coach Mike McDaniel credited Tagovailoa's determination as a means to get back under center for the Dolphins (3-3).

"He's laser focused. He's in his normal mood, but he doesn't lose attention span at the task at hand," McDaniel said. "And that's what I've grown to love about the guy. That's why he's been able to have some success in a completely new language and system."

Tagovailoa, 24, led Miami to a 3-0 start this season and has completed 69.6 percent of his passes for 1,035 yards with eight touchdowns and three interceptions.

"How does it feel? It feels great. I'm excited to be back," Tagovailoa said.