Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered another concussion on Thursday Night Football, raising concerns about his long-term health and the team's future.
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered a concussion after a big hit from Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin on Thursday Night Football. The Dolphins medical staff made the determination just six minutes after Tagovailoa left the field on his own power.
On 4th-and-4 with the Dolphins needing a touchdown to stay in the game, Tagovailoa stepped up in the pocket and took off to get past the sticks and keep the drive alive. However, Tagovailoa continued running despite passing the first-down line and met Hamlin in the open field, leading with his head instead of sliding. Hamlin easily took him down, resulting in Tagovailoa hitting the deck and slamming his head on the turf at Hard Rock Stadium.
Tua Tagovailoa's Scary Concussion Raises Questions about the Dolphins' Quarterback's Future
Tagovailoa picked up the first down but appeared disoriented as his hand began moving uncontrollably. Medical staff quickly attended to him, and he walked off the field with trainers into the locker room, where they determined he had a concussion.
While Tagovailoa didn't miss a single game during the 2023 season, the 2022 campaign was marred by scary moments for the quarterback, who suffered three concussions. One of those concussions occurred on Thursday Night Football against the Cincinnati Bengals, where he left the field on a stretcher.
Tua Tagovailoa's Scary Concussion Raises Questions about the Dolphins' Quarterback's Future
Tagovailoa also appeared to suffer a concussion in the game prior against the Bills at home, but it was initially ruled as a back injury. Just days later, against the Bengals, Tagovailoa was tossed onto the Paycor Stadium turf in Cincinnati, and a disturbing scene unfolded as his hands postured, an occurrence associated with head injuries.
Players prayed on the field as Tagovailoa was taken off in a stretcher, and he would miss two games before returning in Week 7. In Week 16, against the Green Bay Packers, Tagovailoa suffered his third concussion of the season, effectively knocking him out for the remainder of the year.
Tua Tagovailoa's Scary Concussion Raises Questions about the Dolphins' Quarterback's Future
In the offseason, Tagovailoa admitted that he considered retirement because of the potential long-term effects of head injuries, including research done on CTE. However, he was confident heading into last season and proved it by playing every single game.
Now, the question remains about when Tagovailoa will pass concussion protocol. Before his injury, Tagovailoa threw three interceptions, one of which was returned for a pick-six, and one touchdown to De'Von Achane.
Tagovailoa's latest concussion raises concerns about his long-term health and the Dolphins' future. The team has invested heavily in him, but his injury history is a major concern. It remains to be seen if Tagovailoa will be able to overcome these challenges and continue his career without further damage to his health.
