The Miami Dolphins made a significant move this week by placing quarterback Tua Tagovailoa on injured reserve following a concussion he sustained in last Thursday night's game against the Buffalo Bills. This incident marks the third documented concussion of Tagovailoa's NFL career.
Under the NFL's stringent concussion protocol, Tagovailoa is required to miss a minimum of the next four games. The earliest he could return to the field would be Week 8 when the Dolphins face the Arizona Cardinals. This comes as a blow to the Dolphins, who have split their first two games of the season, securing a victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 1 but falling short against Buffalo in their last contest. Their current record stands at 1-1.
QB Situation in Miami
With Tagovailoa sidelined, Skylar Thompson will step into the starting role for Sunday's road game against the Seattle Seahawks. The Dolphins will be relying on Thompson, who is the only other quarterback listed on Miami’s depth chart, to guide the team's offense in Tagovailoa's absence. Additionally, Miami has signed former Ravens Pro Bowl quarterback Snoop Huntley off Baltimore's practice squad to provide some much-needed depth at the position.
The Dolphins are not alone at 1-1; their upcoming opponents, the Seattle Seahawks, also hold the same record, setting the stage for an evenly matched showdown. Thompson, who now holds the reins, will face significant pressure as he tries to maintain the team's competitive edge.
Tagovailoa's Health and Future
Tagovailoa's third concussion places him in a unique and concerning position, as he becomes the only NFL quarterback to be in the league's concussion protocol three times in the past five years. Despite this, Tagovailoa is not considering retirement at this stage and remains focused on recovering and getting cleared for his return.
The NFL's concussion protocol is meticulous, involving a five-step process that mandates a gradual progression from limited physical activity to full, unrestricted participation. A player must be symptom-free at each stage to advance to the next. This protocol aims to ensure the comprehensive recovery and long-term health of athletes.
Moving Forward
As the Dolphins navigate the next few weeks without their starting quarterback, the focus will be on how well Thompson adapts to his starting role and how quickly Huntley can acclimate to the team's system. Huntley, with a proven track record as a Pro Bowl quarterback, brings experience and leadership that could prove invaluable during this period.
The broader implications of Tagovailoa's situation also cast a spotlight on the NFL's ongoing efforts to address player safety, particularly concerning head injuries. Ensuring that players fully recover before returning to play is paramount, and Tagovailoa's adherence to the protocol underscores the cautious approach being taken.
The Dolphins' performance in the coming weeks will be scrutinized as they attempt to maintain their momentum in a competitive league. The resilience and adaptability of the team, particularly within the quarterback position, will be central to their success.
Both fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if Miami can overcome this challenging period and if Tagovailoa can make a successful return to lead his team once again. For now, the Dolphins must rally behind Thompson and utilize the skills of Huntley as they prepare to face the Seahawks and navigate the hurdles of the NFL season.