Miami Dolphins Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa Placed on Injured Reserve
In a disappointing turn of events for the Miami Dolphins, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has been placed on injured reserve after suffering another concussion during last Thursday’s game against the Buffalo Bills. This decision comes after Tagovailoa left the game in the second half with an apparent injury and was seen walking off the field with training staff.
With this move to injured reserve, Tagovailoa will be required to miss at least the next four games, in accordance with league rules. The earliest he could return to game action would be in the October 27 matchup against the Arizona Cardinals, following the Dolphins’ bye week in Week 6.
In light of Tagovailoa’s prolonged absence, the Dolphins have signed Tyler Huntley from the Baltimore Ravens’ practice squad to serve as a backup to Skylar Thompson at quarterback. Huntley, a versatile player who has started games for the Ravens in the past, brings experience and depth to the Dolphins’ quarterback position.
Concerns Surrounding Tagovailoa’s Concussion History
This latest concussion marks the third known concussion of Tagovailoa’s NFL career, not including previous incidents during his time at Alabama and a suspected concussion in 2022. Following this latest injury, there have been calls from former NFL players for Tagovailoa to consider retiring from football due to the risks associated with repeated head injuries.
However, reports indicate that Tagovailoa has no plans to retire and has been meeting with concussion specialists to address his health concerns. Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel refrained from discussing Tagovailoa’s future in the league, acknowledging that the quarterback must make decisions about his career on his own terms.
Tagovailoa’s health and well-being remain a top priority for the Dolphins organization, with medical staff closely monitoring his condition and progress. While the quarterback has been seen interacting with teammates and appearing in good spirits, the true extent of his recovery will be determined by ongoing medical evaluations.
Implications for the Dolphins’ Quarterback Situation
With Tagovailoa sidelined, Skylar Thompson is set to take over as the Dolphins’ starting quarterback for the upcoming game against the Seattle Seahawks. Thompson, who has shown growth and development in his limited playing time, will have the opportunity to lead the team in Tagovailoa’s absence.
Thompson’s experience in the league, coupled with Huntley’s addition as a backup, provides the Dolphins with stability and depth at the quarterback position. Huntley, known for his versatility and ability to step in for starting quarterbacks, brings a valuable skill set to the team and will be ready to contribute when called upon.
As the Dolphins navigate through this challenging period without Tagovailoa, the team remains focused on supporting their injured quarterback and ensuring his health and safety are prioritized above all else. With a solid backup plan in place, the Dolphins are prepared to face the upcoming games with confidence and determination.