Dolphins QB exits game against Bills
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered a concussion during Thursday night’s matchup against the Buffalo Bills, raising significant concerns about his health and the Dolphins' future. The injury occurred in the second half, and Tua was promptly ruled out for the remainder of the game. Despite the severity of the situation, Tagovailoa stayed at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, remaining in the locker room rather than being transported to a hospital.
Head coach Mike McDaniel, who was visibly concerned for his quarterback, provided an update after speaking with Tagovailoa on the field and in the locker room. "He was in good spirits," McDaniel said, though he admitted that his immediate reaction was one of deep concern. "I was just worried about my guy. You never want to see something like that."
The injury is especially troubling due to Tagovailoa's history with concussions. In the 2022 season, he missed multiple games because of head injuries, which makes this latest incident even more alarming. While Tua is set to undergo further testing, McDaniel emphasized that his focus is on Tagovailoa’s well-being, not rushing him back. "The timeline is the last thing on my mind," McDaniel stated. "Right now, we just need to take it day by day and focus on his recovery."
The injury occurred late in the third quarter when Tagovailoa attempted a 6-yard scramble to the Buffalo 7-yard line, lowering his head and colliding with the right arm of Bills safety Damar Hamlin. Tua struggled to stand after the hit, with his arm appearing to be in an unnatural position. Dolphins staff, including McDaniel, rushed to his side. While Tua eventually walked off the field under his own power, the scene was enough to bring worry to Dolphins fans.
Backup quarterback Skylar Thompson stepped in for Tagovailoa, finishing the game for Miami. Before his exit, Tua had thrown for 145 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions.
Tagovailoa's injury history has been a major storyline throughout his career, especially during the 2022 season when he missed five games, including a playoff contest, due to concussions. Notably, in Week 4 of that season, Tua had to be stretchered off after a hit against the Cincinnati Bengals. Later, he suffered another concussion in a game against the Green Bay Packers on Christmas Day, which sidelined him for the rest of the year.
Coming into the 2023 season, Tagovailoa took extra precautions to prevent head injuries, including practicing jiu-jitsu to learn how to fall safely. His hard work paid off, as he had his best season yet, throwing for 4,624 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions, leading the Dolphins to a second consecutive playoff appearance. This strong performance earned him a lucrative four-year, $212.4 million extension with the Dolphins, solidifying his role as the team’s franchise quarterback.
However, just two games into the new season, Tua’s health is again a significant concern. His recent injury brings uncertainty to the Dolphins' immediate future, as well as Tagovailoa’s long-term career prospects. McDaniel, focusing on Tua as a person rather than just a player, stressed that the team will wait for more information before making any decisions. "It’s all about his health. We’ll take things day by day and follow his lead," McDaniel said.
As the Dolphins await further updates, the team and its fans are left hoping for a swift and complete recovery for their star quarterback. The Buffalo Bills vs. Miami Dolphins game may have ended in a loss for Miami, but the bigger loss could be the lingering concerns over Tagovailoa’s future in the NFL.
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