When Miami Dolphins quarterback Matt Moore missed just one play after a vicious and illegal hit to the head from Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Bud Dupree, it seemed like something was amiss.

The NFL and NFL Players Association confirmed that Wednesday, when they issued a joint statement saying concussion protocol was not completely followed. The play happened in the Dolphins’ wild-card weekend loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The statement read: “The team doctor took appropriate steps to promptly and fully involve the Unaffiliated Neuro-trauma Consultant (UNC) in the medical evaluation of the player and review of the video. They jointly cleared Mr. Moore to return to the game, but did not recognize that Mr. Moore presented a documented symptom, bleeding from the mouth, that required further evaluation in the locker room under the protocol.”

Matt Moore missed just one play after a vicious hit to the head against the Steelers. (AP) More

The statement said “competitive issues” had no impact on his treatment, meaning he wasn’t rushed back because the Dolphins needed their quarterback on the field in a playoff game. The statement also said Moore demonstrated no symptoms after returning to the game.

[Ditch the paper and pen – play Squares Pick’em for the Big Game!]

The statement said the Dolphins’ staff must have a full review of the protocol. Any other violations of the protocol could result in punishment for the team, including fines.

Although the NFL has come under heat for its handling of concussions through the years, give them credit for being transparent in this case. It seemed like Moore returned very quickly after a hit to the head. The NFL immediately said it was investigating, and then released a statement with clear details of what did and didn’t happen. The league hasn’t always been so clear when there has been apparent mishandling of concussions.

– – – – – – –

Frank Schwab is the editor of Shutdown Corner on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at shutdown.corner@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!

Follow @YahooSchwab