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Thursday’s NFL game between the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins was supposed to be a crucial early-season divisional matchup with two good teams. Instead, it will be remembered for yet another concussion for talented Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
On a football level, this is a really bad development for Dolphins Head Coach Mike McDaniel, whose longterm job security with the team is closely tied with having the competent quarterback play that Tua provides. But, right after the injury happened, he wasn’t thinking about that and was instead thinking about the future health of his quarterback.
First, if you missed it, here’s the play that Tua Tagovailoa suffered his concussion on.
Oh no. Absolutely horrible to watch.
Tua Tagovailoa convulsing after a hit to the head.
Prayers up.
I don’t think he’s long for the NFL. pic.twitter.com/yXOuDoYP07
— Savage (@SavageSports_) September 13, 2024
That’s at least the third concussion that the former Alabama quarterback has suffered already in the NFL, with two coming in the 2022 season. Tagovailoa considered retirement before the 2023 season. He decided to play, and the 26-year-old had a fantastic season last year, earning him a $212 million extension.
But, as concussions start to add up, there are questions as to his long-term football future. I don’t think anyone would be surprised or think less of Tua Tagovailoa if he stepped away.
That appeared to be the message that Mike McDaniel told tua as Tua made his way back to the sideline before going back to the locker room for evaluation. According to Adam Schefter, this is what McDaniel had to say to him .
“Mike McDaniel said that, at this time, he told Tua Tagovailoa that ‘he’s the starting quarterback of his family. Go in the locker room, take a deep breath and I’ll see you soon’,” Schefter said on Twitter.
No matter what decision Tua Tagovailoa makes regarding his future, it seems like Mike McDaniel will be in his corner either way.
On the field, the Dolphins will turn to Skyler Thompson while Tua is out.