The Miami Dolphins have placed their star quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, on injured reserve following a concussion he sustained in last Thursday night's game against the Buffalo Bills. This injury marks an unfortunate milestone for Tagovailoa, as it is his third documented concussion in his NFL career. Given the nature of his injury, Tagovailoa will be required to sit out a minimum of the next four games, per NFL protocols.
Impact on the Team
With Tagovailoa sidelined, the Dolphins face significant challenges in their upcoming games. The earliest the talented quarterback can return is in Week 8 when Miami squares off against the Arizona Cardinals. Until then, all eyes will be on Skylar Thompson, who has been named the starting quarterback for Sunday’s road game against the Seattle Seahawks.
The Dolphins have experienced a mixed start to their season, sporting a 1-1 record. They opened with a victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 1 but were unable to carry that momentum forward, falling to Buffalo in their most recent contest. The absence of Tagovailoa certainly adds to their complexities as they prepare to face the Seahawks, who, coincidentally, also hold a 1-1 record.
Depth Chart Adjustments
Thompson, currently the only other quarterback listed on Miami's depth chart, will need to step up in Tagovailoa's absence. To bolster their quarterback ranks, the Dolphins have signed former Ravens Pro Bowl quarterback Snoop Huntley off Baltimore’s practice squad. Huntley brings experience and a proven track record to the team and could serve as a vital asset as the Dolphins navigate this challenging period.
Concussion Protocol
Tagovailoa's recurrent concussions have placed him under intense scrutiny, being the only quarterback to enter the NFL's concussion protocol three separate times in the past five years. Despite the potential long-term health risks, Tagovailoa is not currently considering retirement. Instead, he remains focused on his recovery and getting cleared for his return to the field.
The NFL’s concussion protocol is widely recognized for its stringency, following a meticulous five-step process designed to ensure player safety. The protocol involves a gradual progression from limited physical activity to full, unrestricted participation. At each stage, a player must be symptom-free before they can advance, reinforcing the careful attention given to their recovery.
Looking Ahead
The Dolphins’ immediate future hinges heavily on how well Thompson can perform under center and how quickly Tagovailoa can safely navigate through the concussion protocol. The team and their fans will be closely monitoring Tagovailoa's progress, hoping for a swift and full recovery. Meanwhile, the addition of Huntley provides some depth and experience that could prove valuable as the Dolphins aim to stay competitive in the hotly contested NFL landscape.
As the Dolphins prepare for their upcoming matchup against the Seahawks, they do so with a mix of uncertainty and resilience, committed to overcoming the challenges posed by Tagovailoa’s absence. The next several weeks will be critical in determining their trajectory for the rest of the season, with every game carrying significant weight.