Tua Tagovailoa Placed on Injured Reserve After Third Concussion: Dolphins Turn to Backup Quarterback Skylar Thompson
The Miami Dolphins have placed quarterback Tua Tagovailoa on injured reserve after he sustained his third concussion in two years. Tagovailoa will be sidelined for at least four games and must complete the NFL’s concussion protocol before returning to the field. He is eligible to return in Week 8 when the Dolphins face the Arizona Cardinals, but his future remains uncertain.
Latest Injury Details
Tagovailoa’s latest concussion occurred during last Thursday’s game against the Buffalo Bills. While scrambling for a first down, he lowered his shoulder into Buffalo defensive back Damar Hamlin instead of sliding. The collision left Tagovailoa lying on the field, showing symptoms commonly associated with a traumatic brain injury. After being helped off the field, the Dolphins confirmed the concussion diagnosis a few minutes later.
Players and coaches were quick to react, with Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel urging caution and prioritizing the quarterback’s health above all. “As far as Tua’s career is concerned, I think it’s an utmost priority of mine for Tua to speak on Tua’s career,” McDaniel said, emphasizing the need for Tagovailoa to focus on his recovery.
Concussion History and NFL Protocol
This incident marks another serious head injury for Tagovailoa, who has experienced multiple concussions throughout his career. In September 2022, Tagovailoa took a hard hit against the Bills and appeared visibly disoriented, though he was allowed to return to the game. Four days later, in a game against the Cincinnati Bengals, he was knocked unconscious and carted off the field after suffering another head injury.
These two incidents prompted the NFL to revise its concussion protocols, now preventing players with balance issues from returning to the field during the same game. Despite these changes, Tagovailoa’s latest concussion has reignited conversations about player safety, with some, including Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce, suggesting that the Dolphins quarterback should consider retirement.
Tua’s Perspective and Recovery
Despite the ongoing concerns, Tagovailoa has sought advice from neurologists, who have assured him that he is not at greater risk of future head injuries than other players. Tagovailoa briefly considered retirement last year but decided to continue his NFL career after learning techniques to better protect himself, including taking jiu-jitsu classes to help avoid dangerous hits.
“He’s doing good, man. Talked to him, he’s in good spirits,” said Dolphins receiver Jaylen Waddle. The team continues to rally around Tagovailoa as he begins his recovery process.
Dolphins Turn to Backup Quarterback Skylar Thompson
With Tagovailoa sidelined, Miami will turn to backup quarterback Skylar Thompson when they face the Seattle Seahawks this Sunday. To strengthen their quarterback depth, the Dolphins also signed Tyler Huntley off the Baltimore Ravens’ practice squad.
As Tagovailoa recovers, the Dolphins are focused on maintaining their playoff hopes while ensuring the long-term well-being of their star quarterback.