Dolphins place Tua Tagovailoa on injured reserve: How long will he be out for?
The Dolphins face a tricky situation now that their starting QB has suffered yet another concussion. Where and how they go from here remains to be seen.
If you caught the Miami Dolphins, most recent game, then you know that quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered a concussion during the team’s loss to the Buffalo Bills. Following Thursday night’s game, there were again calls for him to retire but it’s understood that the 26-year-old has no intention to call it quits.
Dolphins place Tua Tagovailoa on IR
According to the NFL Network, the Miami Dolphins have placed starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa on injured reserve following his latest concussion. What that means is that the Dolphins will be without their starting signal caller for a minimum of four games. To that end, the earliest that fans can expect to see Tagovailoa will be Week 8, as he looks to pass through the league’s rigorous concussion protocols, something that will ultimately involve him peaking with neurologists.
Sources to me and @RapSheet: The #Dolphins are placing QB Tua Tagovailoa on injured reserve in order to give him ample time to progress through the stages of concussion protocol and meet with outside neurologists.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) September 17, 2024
The earliest Tagovailoa could return is Week 8 against the… pic.twitter.com/8n8t16qyK8
To be clear, Tagovailoa is now set to miss Miami’s upcoming games against the Seattle Seahawks, Tennessee Titans, New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts. The Dolphins have a bye in Week 6, such that Tagovailoa’s earliest possible return would be against the Arizona Cardinals on October 27th. Speaking on Monday, Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel provided some insight as to his player’s status, explaining that the quarterback had in fact returned to the team’s facility and was speaking with teammates.
As expected, McDaniel declined to comment on the possibility of Tagovailoa retiring, explaining that it was not for him to give any statement on the future of one of his players’ careers. With Tagovailoa now sidelined for at least a month, attention has naturally turned toward his backup, Skylar Thompson, who the Dolphins have made clear they have full confidence in.
Of those opining about the health concerns of #Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa, the most realistic portrayal of a player’s mindset came from former #Patriots LB @TedyBruschi, who had a stroke at 31, had a device put into his heart and returned to play. It’s worth your time. 🎥: @espn pic.twitter.com/YM1Sxtq3QP
— Charles Robinson (@CharlesRobinson) September 15, 2024
On the other hand, that has not stopped speculation about who the team could turn to should things change with Tagovailoa. Indeed, mention has even been made of Tom Brady unretiring to become the Dolphins’ starter. Rumors aside, what we do know is that the franchise also signed former Pro Bowl quarterback Tyler “Snoop” Huntley to the practice squad. So, as we always say, watch this space.
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