Tua Tagovailoa Declines Guardian Caps Despite Concussion Concerns

The Miami Dolphins quarterback will return to play without the optional protective gear after his third concussion.

Guardian Caps are soft-shell helmet covers designed to reduce the impact of head injuries by up to 20% when both players in a collision wear them.
The NFL mandated the use of Guardian Caps during contact practices for most players starting in 2022, but they remain optional during games.
Tua Tagovailoa, who has been cleared to play following a concussion in Week 2, has opted not to wear the caps, citing reasons similar to other players such as comfort and aesthetics.
The NFL reported a 24% decrease in preseason concussions, attributing part of this reduction to the use of Guardian Caps.
Guardian Caps are also widely used in over 300 college programs and thousands of high school and youth teams across the United States.