Over the years, the NFL has been scrutinised for not taking certain actions on the gridiron under its replay assist rule. This rule was recently expanded upon in 2021, with designated members of the officiating department able to assist during on-field decisions. However, it was limited to certain game situations. After Tua Tagovailoa’s concussion against the Bills, the replay assist rule has seemingly gone through another change.

As reported by NFL insider Dianna Russini, the NFL has decided to expand their replay assist spectrum by including reviews of roughing the passer, late hits out of bounds, and intentional grounding penalties. Well, if done right, this would be a huge boost for the players who have often found themselves getting injured outside play action.

Expanding on this possible landmark ruling, Russini went on to state a few instances where QBs have been hit without getting caught on cameras. In Tampa, Commanders rookie QB Jayden Daniels was involved in multiple plays where he was hit on the head or neck while sliding. However, when replays were shown, it was found that defenders actually missed Daniels while others leapt over him or got out of the way.

This replay assist addition might be able to save the mobile QBs from getting injured, as in the case of Tagovailoa. Elsewhere, coaches’ challenges have remained unchanged, with them able to review a ruling if they are not satisfied with it. But it would be in their best interest to throw in a challenge after a replay assist gets passed upon.

Although the changes implemented might bring a positive wave across the NFL in terms of dealing with challenges. Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa’s concussion could have greater repercussions on his career than initially feared.

Tua Tagovailoa getting retirement shouts amid 3rd concussion in two years

At first glance, it looked like a routine first down that most QBs are involved in the NFL. However, it soon took a horrific turn as Tagovailoa collided head-first with the Bills’ tackle Damar Hamlin, thereby collapsing on the ground. These horrifying scenes led NFL fans and coaches to call for him to hang up his cleats. Among those who spoke about the incident was Raiders coach Antonio Pierce, “I’ll be honest. I’d tell him to retire, It’s not worth it. I just think at some point, he’s going to live longer than he’s going to play football. Take care of your family.”

Even Hall of Famer TE Tony Gonzalez chipped in with his thoughts while speaking on Amazon Prime’s broadcast, “If I’m him, at this point, I’m seriously considering retiring from football. If that was my son, I’d be like, It might be time.” Well, these concerns aren’t far-fetched, as repeated blows to the head can lead to CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy). It is a degenerative condition where people can wind up dead or face dementia early.

Carolina Panthers LB Luke Kuechly and the 49ers LB Chris Borland decided to leave the gridiron after just one season, citing concussions. However, it remains to be seen whether the Dolphins QB walks on this path. Or continues to live his NFL dream until voices in his head call for him to call it quits.