Is Tua Tagovailoa’s Career In Jeopardy? Miami Dolphins Sign Former Pro Bowl QB

The Miami Dolphins have placed star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa on injured reserve following his third documented NFL concussion, which occurred during Thursday’s game against the Buffalo Bills.

Tagovailoa, who has now suffered three concussions in his short NFL career, will miss a minimum of four games per NFL rules. The earliest he can return to the field is in Week 8 when the Dolphins face the Arizona Cardinals.

No Timeline for Tua’s Return as He Enters Concussion Protocol

Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel initially delayed placing Tagovailoa on injured reserve, waiting for more clarity on his condition. However, after a further evaluation of his concussion, the decision was made on Tuesday.

McDaniel explained the importance of depth, stating, “We got to learn firsthand a nice reminder of how it only takes one play and what you think your depth is changes abruptly. So that’s a move for moving forward to secure some depth in case of the unforeseen.”

Tagovailoa is not currently considering retirement despite suffering his third NFL concussion, a serious concern given the short time frame between injuries.

According to multiple reports, the Dolphins’ quarterback is determined to return to action. He is currently in the league’s concussion protocol, a rigorous five-step process that all players must follow, regardless of how many concussions they’ve experienced.

Huntley Signs as Backup, Skylar Thompson to Start Against Seahawks

In an effort to bolster their quarterback depth, the Dolphins signed former Ravens Pro Bowl quarterback Tyler “Snoop” Huntley from Baltimore’s practice squad. The signing ensures Miami has a second option behind Skylar Thompson, who is set to start Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks.

Per NFL rules, Huntley must be placed on the Dolphins’ 53-man roster for at least three games. Huntley, who has 10 career starts, including a Pro Bowl nod in 2022 with the Ravens, brings valuable experience to a Dolphins team now navigating life without their franchise quarterback. “I do think that it helps the dynamics of the [quarterbacks] room to add another guy with starting history to this team,” McDaniel said of Huntley. “He’s a guy that’s a signal-caller that a team can get behind… This is a depth move, for sure.”

Thompson, a third-year quarterback, hasn’t played in the 2023 season but did start three games as a rookie in 2022, including a playoff game against the Bills. McDaniel emphasized that the decision to bring in Huntley was not a reflection on Thompson’s performance but rather a move to protect the team’s depth.

Tagovailoa’s Injury Pushes Health to the Forefront

Tagovailoa’s latest concussion occurred while scrambling for a first down during Thursday’s game. He took a hard hit from Bills safety Damar Hamlin, leading to an immediate “fencing response,” a sign of significant neurological trauma. Medical personnel quickly rushed to his aid, and after several minutes, Tagovailoa was able to walk off the field but was ruled out for the remainder of the game.

This incident raises further questions about Tagovailoa’s long-term health. With this latest injury, Tagovailoa will have missed 14 career games due to injury since 2020. Although he played in all 18 of Miami’s games during the 2023 season, the Dolphins are now forced to reckon with his history of concussions and the impact on his availability.

As Tagovailoa works through the five-step concussion protocol, the Dolphins’ immediate focus shifts to their next games without him. His return will depend not only on passing the league’s protocol but also on ensuring that his health is prioritized in the long term.

Dolphins Make Additional Roster Moves

In addition to signing Huntley, the Dolphins made several other roster adjustments, including the signing of offensive lineman Jackson Carman to their practice squad. They also released wide receiver Robbie Chosen, part of a series of moves to maintain roster flexibility amid the uncertain timeline of Tagovailoa’s recovery.

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