Tua Tagovailoa’s Career Takes a Pause: In-depth Analysis

Tua Tagovailoa: A Career on Hold

A reliable source confirmed on September 17th, 2024, that Miami Dolphins’ quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has been placed on injured reserve following a third concussion diagnosis in his NFL career. Consequently, Tagovailoa will miss at least four games.

The concussion occurred during the Dolphins’ 31-10 defeat against the Buffalo Bills, when Tagovailoa initiated contact with Bills safety Damar Hamlin during a scramble for a first down. The impact of Hamlin’s body against Tagovailoa’s helmet led to the quarterback’s collapse and subsequent fencing response, a term referring to the unnatural positioning of a person’s arms following a traumatic injury.

Tagovailoa’s Injury History

In the four seasons prior to 2023, Tagovailoa missed 14 games due to various injuries. In 2020, he was considered a leading candidate for becoming the top quarterback in the NFL draft during his last season at Alabama, but a hip dislocation and fracture midway through the season, coupled with a concussion and broken nose, hampered his chances.

Despite these setbacks, Tagovailoa managed to recover in time to play for the Dolphins as a rookie, missing only five games during his first two seasons due to minor injuries. Unfazed by his injury history, the Dolphins awarded him a four-year contract extension in 2023, valued at $212.1 million.

Tagovailoa’s Future after 2022

Following discussions with his family, particularly his mother, Tagovailoa considered retirement after his 2022 season. However, he opted to continue his career, dedicating the 2023 offseason to increasing his strength and learning how to fall without hitting his head through a jiujitsu breakfall program. This training, along with a helmet upgrade to a VICIS model designed to reduce concussion risks, seemed to pay off, as he played in all of Miami’s games during the 2023 season.

What’s Next for Tagovailoa?

Before returning to the field, Tagovailoa will undergo extensive testing and evaluation from multiple independent neurologists. The NFL’s return-to-participation protocol is a comprehensive five-step process that concludes with a team’s physician and an independent neurological consultant agreeing that the player can safely return to play.

Dolphins’ Quarterback Options

With Tagovailoa on injured reserve, the Dolphins will likely look to third-year quarterback Skylar Thompson to start. In 2022, Thompson started three games, including a playoff loss against Buffalo. To strengthen their depth, the Dolphins brought in quarterback Tyler Huntley as backup.

Despite the setback, the Dolphins have faith in Thompson, as evidenced by head coach Mike McDaniel’s “utmost confidence” in the young quarterback. The team’s next game, against the Seattle Seahawks, will be a crucial test for Thompson and the Dolphins.