via Reuters
American Football – NFL – Miami Dolphins Media Day – Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel & Country Club, Ware, Britain – October 15, 2021 Miami Dolphins’ Tua Tagovailoa during practice Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs
via Reuters
American Football – NFL – Miami Dolphins Media Day – Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel & Country Club, Ware, Britain – October 15, 2021 Miami Dolphins’ Tua Tagovailoa during practice Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs
Up until Week 12, it was all going well for Tua Tagovailoa and the Miami Dolphins. They looked favorites to make the playoffs. And Tua was in the race to be the league MVP. However, it seems like Lady Luck has frowned upon Miami as they went on a losing run to put their playoff season at risk. And now their quarterback’s season seems to be over.
The Miami Dolphins have now lost four in a row and the AFC playoff picture is being drawn without Tua, Tyreek and Co. And QB Tagovailoa has added to the problems after entering the concussion protocol this week for the second time this season. This happened after he sustained a hit during the loss against the Green Bay Packers last week.
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Normally this would be fine, but Tua’s concussion-related worries have caused him to miss matches this season. And the hits being not so far apart has added to the damage. Head coach Mike McDaniel was not happy with what he saw and asked Tua to visit the doctors.
Mike McDaniel said they reviewed the Packers game film on Monday and questioned Tua about how he felt after a particular hit in the game. McDaniel said some inconsistencies about what he normally sees in Tua caused concern. Then after Tua’s response they sent him to the doctors.
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) December 28, 2022
This one was just as bad as the previous ones, with Tua’s head hitting the ground unpleasantly on the Christmas Day matchup.
The hit in the Cincinnati Bengals game paralyzed Tua Tagovailoa
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Last week’s head injury wasn’t even Tua’s first big hit this season. That’s why there are many who think that the 24-year-old should not play anymore this season. This includes former NFL QB and ESPN analyst Robert Griffin III who said that the Dolphins need to put the “person before the player.” And despite winning last Sunday, Packers QB Aaron Rodgers also expressed his concern.
USA Today via Reuters
Sep 29, 2022; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Josh Tupou (68) sacks Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) in the second quarter at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati. Tagovailoa sustained a head injury on the play and left the game for treatment. Mandatory Credit: Kareem Elgazzar-USA TODAY Sports
Tua suffered concussions this season in games against the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals game even witnessed Tagovailoa being momentarily paralyzed. Tua missed two games after this hit but returned against the Pittsburgh Steelers. “It’s probably time to maybe consider shutting it down (for the season) when you’ve had some episodes. As a competitor, that’s the last thing you want,” A-Rod said on the Pat McAfee Show.
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WATCH THIS STORY: Tua Tagovailoa who couldn’t remember being carted off the field answers an intimate question from his parents
The 8-6 Dolphins need Tua in the pocket for their two crucial remaining divisional matchups against the New England Patriots and the New York Jets. But Mike McDaniel is not risking it and will “do whatever the medical professionals advise” him to do. Till then veteran and backup QB Teddy Bridgewater will have to hold the reins.
