Unfolding Events: Tua Tagovailoa’s Injury and Its Impact on Miami Dolphins

Tagovailoa’s Injury and Its Implications

An inside source today confirmed the decision by the Miami Dolphins to place Tua Tagovailoa on the injured reserve list following the third concussion of his NFL career. The incident occurred during the Dolphins’ 31-10 defeat to the Buffalo Bills, where Tagovailoa was ruled out in the third quarter. The quarterback will now be sidelined for at least four matches.

The Incident and Immediate Aftermath

The unfortunate event took place when Tagovailoa rushed up the middle for a first down, making contact with Bills’ safety Damar Hamlin and subsequently falling to the ground. The Dolphins’ medical team swiftly attended to the injured player, who managed to walk off the field unaided. With a match against the Seattle Seahawks on the horizon, the Dolphins had a ten-day window to make a decision on Tagovailoa’s participation, regardless of his progression through the league’s concussion protocol. The final verdict was to place him on the injured reserve list.

Tagovailoa’s Future in Football: A Question Mark?

Tagovailoa’s return for the Week 8 match against the Arizona Cardinals remains uncertain. The Dolphins are cautious about rushing their franchise quarterback back onto the field after another severe head injury. Tagovailoa will consult with multiple independent neurologists before making a comeback.

When questioned about the quarterback’s future, Dolphins’ coach Mike McDaniel stated that it is ultimately up to Tagovailoa to make the decision. This is the first time since 2022 that the Dolphins have had to navigate their games without their starting quarterback.

Dolphins’ Performance Without Tagovailoa

Since Tagovailoa joined the league in 2020, the Dolphins have a 33-20 win rate in games he started and a 7-9 record in games started by other quarterbacks, including Skylar Thompson, Teddy Bridgewater, Jacoby Brissett, and Ryan Fitzpatrick. According to research, currently, the Dolphins have a 19% chance to make the playoffs, ranking 13th among 16 AFC teams, and a 3% chance to win the AFC East.

Tagovailoa’s Injury History and Recovery Path

Tagovailoa, who was a promising candidate for the top quarterback pick in the 2020 NFL draft, has had a history of injuries. He suffered a hip dislocation and fracture, a concussion, and a broken nose during his final season at Alabama. Despite these setbacks, he recovered in time to play for the Dolphins as a rookie. In 2022, Tagovailoa was diagnosed with two concussions, leading to changes in the NFL’s concussion protocol. However, he did not miss a game during the 2023 season and secured a four-year, $212.1 million contract extension in July.

Tagovailoa’s Considerations and Preparations Post-2022 Season

After the 2022 season, Tagovailoa briefly contemplated retirement. He spent the 2023 offseason training in a jiujitsu breakfall program to learn how to fall without hitting his head. He also switched to a VICIS helmet, designed to reduce concussions. These changes seemed to pay off as he played all of Miami’s games in the last season.

Next Steps: What Lies Ahead for Tagovailoa and the Dolphins

As Tagovailoa prepares to return, he will need to clear the NFL’s five-step return-to-participation protocol. This involves rest and recovery, light aerobic exercise, strength training, football activities (non-contact), and full clearance from a physician and a neurological consultant.

The Dolphins, in the meantime, have Skylar Thompson lined up to start. They’ve also signed Tyler Huntley to back him up, while Tim Boyle is on the practice squad. Regardless of the challenges ahead, the Dolphins remain confident in their team’s resilience and ability to adapt.