Dolphins quarterback carried off

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa sustained neck and head injuries after being slammed to the ground in an NFL match in Cincinatti, just days after appearing disoriented in the Dolphins’ last match.

Tagovailoa suffered his latest injuries against the Cincinatti Bengals yesterday NZT and was stretchered from the field.

The Dolphins said Tagovailoa was conscious, had movement in all his extremities and was taken to University of Cincinnati Medical Center for further evaluation. The Dolphins said after their 27-15 loss to the Bengals that Tagovailoa was expected to be released from the hospital and fly home with the team.

Tagovailoa was chased down and sacked by 1.9m, 154kg Josh Tupou with about six minutes left in the first half. He was spun around and thrown to the turf.

While on the ground, his hands froze in front of his face. He remained down for more than seven minutes before being loaded on a backboard, stabilised and strapped to a stretcher after his facemask was removed.

Miami coach Mike McDaniel said Tagovailoa called for him when he went down. ‘‘I could tell it wasn’t the same guy that I was used to seeing,’’ McDaniel said. ‘‘It was a scary moment. He was evaluated for a concussion and he’s in the concussion protocol.’’

Bengals coach Zac Taylor had an emotional reaction to Tagovailoa going down, saying: ‘‘It’s a heavy moment. You hate to see that happen. It’s a tough moment for everybody.’’