“He was injured even at Alabama,” Hall of Fame coach Jimmy Johnson dropped this truth bomb about Tua Tagovailoa on The Herd with Colin Cowherd on Friday. The stark reminder of Miami’s $212.4 million quarterback’s injury history rings louder as the Dolphins sink to 2-4 in the AFC playoff race.

Johnson pulled no punches discussing Miami’s front office choices with Colin Cowherd on October 25. The former Dolphins head coach pointed to a critical oversight: spending big on flashy weapons while leaving the backup quarterback situation hanging by a thread.

The numbers tell the story. General Manager Chris Grier splashed $387.15 million combined on Tagovailoa ($212.4M), Tyreek Hill ($90M), and Jaylen Waddle ($84.75M). Meanwhile, the offense sputtered with backups Skylar Thompson, Tyler Huntley, and Tim Boyle, managing just 70 points in six games – a far cry from last season when they dropped 70 in one game against Denver.

“They have put their money on their wide receivers and on their quarterback and a few of the running backs, the defensive backs,” Johnson noted. “Maybe some of that money could have gone for the offensive line.” The Dolphins‘ struggles against winning teams back his point – they’ve lost all three matchups this season against teams with winning records.

The backup quarterback situation hits harder considering Tagovailoa’s history. He’s the only NFL quarterback in the past five seasons to enter concussion protocol three separate times. His latest concussion against Buffalo in Week 2 triggered a chain reaction that sent Miami’s season into a tailspin.

Tua Tagovailoa returns, but questions linger

The Dolphins quarterback will suit up Sunday against Arizona, 45 days after his third documented NFL concussion. “I love this game. And I love it to the death of me. That’s it,” Tagovailoa told concerned fans about his return.

His decision to skip the Guardian Cap raised eyebrows, but NFL chief medical doctor Allen Sills offers context: “For most helmets adding a Guardian Cap, an extra layer of padding, will reduce the force of each blow by somewhere between 10 and 15%.” However, Tagovailoa’s VICIS ZERO2 MATRIX ID QB helmet already provides equivalent protection.

Past numbers suggest hope – Tagovailoa boasts a .633 winning percentage (19-11) under coach Mike McDaniel. But the Bills have his number, winning nine of their last ten matchups since 2020. Miami’s 1-6 record against winning teams last year adds another layer of concern.

The clock ticks on Miami’s playoff hopes. Six critical games remain against teams at or above .500. Sunday’s showdown against Arizona could make or break their season, testing whether Grier’s $387.15 million gamble will finally pay off.