Dolphins GM concerned about Tua Tagovailoa's durability

Tua Tagovailoa. Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Dolphins GM acknowledges slight concern over Tua Tagovailoa's durability

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 3/1/23

Miami Dolphins general manager Chris Grier admitted Wednesday to having some concern over Tua Tagovailoa's durability but said it won't make the team "afraid to do something long-term."

Dolphins GM Chris Grier on any concerns about Tua Tagovailoa’s durability: “I can’t lie and say no. But it's not something that’s going to make us afraid to do something longterm.”

Grier raved about Tua’s growth, work and bond w/ Mike McDaniel. 5th year option deadline is May 1.
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) March 1, 2023

video of Grier’s answer https://t.co/t5Jc0ymV86 pic.twitter.com/MhMbMO0d2A
— Marcel Louis-Jacques (@Marcel_LJ) March 1, 2023

It was reported Tuesday that the Dolphins hadn't yet made a decision regarding Tagovailoa's fifth-year option attached to his rookie contract. If Miami declines the option, the 24-year-old would be on track to hit free agency in March 2024.

Despite being limited to 13 games (two of which were cut short) during the 2022 season due to multiple concussions, Tagovailoa still set career highs in passing yards (3,548) and touchdowns (25). He also posted career bests in yards gained per pass attempt (8.9) and quarterback rating (105.5) -- both of which led the NFL -- and was the league's top vote-getter in the Pro Bowl fan voting.

Including Wednesday's comments, Grier has now said multiple times this offseason that the Alabama product will go into the 2023 campaign as the Dolphins starter.

In an interview with ESPN's Adam Schefter last week, Miami fullback Alec Ingold said he had "no doubt" that Tagovailoa would be "on a mission" next season in his return from the multiple head injuries.

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