Miami Dolphins Place Tua Tagovailoa on Injured Reserve Following Concussion
The Miami Dolphins have announced that quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has been placed on injured reserve after sustaining a concussion during last Thursday's game against the Buffalo Bills. This concussion marks Tagovailoa's third documented incident of its kind in his NFL career, highlighting ongoing concerns about his health and safety on the field.
Following this development, Tagovailoa will be sidelined for at least the next four games, making him eligible to return no sooner than Week 8, when the Dolphins will meet the Arizona Cardinals. This comes as Miami tries to navigate a challenging start to their season, with the team splitting their first two games—a victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars and a loss to Buffalo—resulting in a 1-1 record.
Skylar Thompson is set to step up as the starting quarterback for the Dolphins' upcoming road game against the Seattle Seahawks. Thompson's role is crucial as he is the only other quarterback currently listed on Miami's depth chart. To bolster their lineup, the Dolphins have signed former Ravens Pro Bowl quarterback Snoop Huntley off Baltimore's practice squad. Huntley's addition is expected to bring veteran leadership and a proven skill set to the Dolphins' quarterback room.
This recent concussion has placed Tua Tagovailoa under the spotlight once again. Notably, he is the only quarterback to have entered the NFL's concussion protocol three separate times in the past five years. Despite these setbacks, Tagovailoa is not considering retirement at this time. His focus remains on recovering and getting medically cleared for his return to the field.
The NFL's concussion protocol is known to be stringent, consisting of a five-step process that involves a gradual progression from limited physical activity to full, unrestricted participation. Players must be symptom-free at each stage before advancing in the protocol, ensuring that their return to play does not compromise their long-term health.
The Dolphins are preparing for a challenging matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, who also hold a 1-1 record. The forthcoming game will test Miami's adaptability and resilience in the face of adversity, especially with a new quarterback at the helm.
Snoop Huntley’s arrival will be closely watched, particularly given his accolades as a Pro Bowl quarterback. His presence is anticipated to provide depth and experience, which could prove pivotal as the Dolphins aim to maintain competitive performance in the weeks ahead while Tagovailoa recovers.
As Tagovailoa focuses on his recovery, the Dolphins are taking every precaution to adhere to the NFL's concussion protocol and ensure their quarterback's health is prioritized. The team and its fans alike are hopeful for a swift and successful recovery, with eyes set on his potential return in Week 8.
The Miami Dolphins' journey through the 2023 season is already marked by significant challenges, but the blend of young talent and experienced players like Huntley could create an intriguing dynamic moving forward. The upcoming games will offer a glimpse into the team's depth and adaptability as they navigate these critical weeks without their starting quarterback.