Im not quite 100% sure of the policies, but I imagine the physicians must make a report for assessment. Cognitive function, sensitivity to light and sound, fine motor skills, pupil reactions etc (if they are specifically assessing for a concussion).
But everything coming out of Miami is that he was being checked for a back injury even though I believe that Tua failed some on the field
https://www.nfl.com/_amp/concussion-protocol-return-to-participation-protocol
That’s info on the concussion protocol;
This part is key;
When a player receives an impact to the head, the player goes into the Concussion Protocol if:
the player exhibits or reports symptoms or signs suggestive of a concussion or stinger (a nerve pinch injury); or,
So a few points here ;
1. Tua did hit his head is step one to be considered
2. Tua showed signs of a concussion on field with the unsteady gait.
3. Even if the Dolphins are claiming it was a back injury, the fact he wobbled and dropped to a knee can be back or neck related but is usually associated with nerve pain (I.e Stinger etc).
So even the back injury that they are going with is still supposed to automatically put Tua in concussion protocol.
The NFL independent physicians failed miserably here.