via Imago
Sep 12, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) drops back with the ball against the Buffalo Bills during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images
via Imago
Sep 12, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) drops back with the ball against the Buffalo Bills during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images
When unexpected things happen, it can shake up everything you thought was in your hands. That is what is currently happening with Tua Tagovailoa. The player’s concussion in the Week 2 game has already put him in the hot waters. And Dolphins fans gear up because the latest news brings a mix of concern and patience.
As per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, Tagovailoa is heading to injured reserve after suffering another concussion. This will give him the required time to fully progress the concussion protocol and consult with specialists. The insider’s X post mentioned, “The earliest Tagovailoa could return is Week 8 against the #AZCardinals.”
Now this means the player will not be able to return to the gridiron for at least the next four games, including Miami’s bye week in Week 6. And that’s not all! The earliest he could play is in Week 8, when the Dolphins play against the Arizona Cardinals on October 27. Now, that’s a long time. And while the player’s injured reserve is bad news, there is good news too!
Sources to me and @RapSheet: The #Dolphins are placing QB Tua Tagovailoa on injured reserve in order to give him ample time to progress through the stages of concussion protocol and meet with outside neurologists.
The earliest Tagovailoa could return is Week 8 against the… pic.twitter.com/8n8t16qyK8
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) September 17, 2024
Garafolo also mentioned that the Phins are putting no timeline on the QB as he works through a deliberate process. As per, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, “The quarterback currently has no plans to retire.” The team’s decision highlights that Tagovailoa’s health is more important than rushing his comeback.
Impact of Tua Tagovailoa’s absence on the Dolphins
With Tua Tagovailoa out for at least the next four games because of his third concussion, the Miami Dolphins are facing a major shift. Backup quarterback Skylar Thompson will take the lead, though he’s had mixed results, including a modest showing in his last game.
Thompson currently lacks what it takes to be the starting QB. And the writing is on the wall. He completed only 8 of 14 passes for 80 yards, raising concerns about his readiness to call the shots effectively. And that’s not all!
To strengthen their quarterback depth, the Killer Bees signed Tyler Huntley from the Ravens‘ practice squad, bringing in someone with starting experience to support Thompson. With 1,957 passing yards and a 64.6% completion rate, he has shown his skill as a quarterback. The Pro Bowler tossed 8 touchdowns and 7 interceptions and has played in 20 games, proving his reliability. In the 2023 season, Huntley threw for 203 yards in 5 games.
However, both Huntley and Thompson are just temporary replacements for Tagovailoa. He has made it clear he is not considering retirement and is focused on returning as soon as he fully recovers.
While the Flying Fish are figuring out how to improve their performance and overall morale, they have struggled when Tagovailoa isn’t on the gridiron affecting key players like, Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.
Debate
Can the Dolphins survive without Tua, or is their season already doomed?