Tua Tagovailoa Suffers Concussion in Dolphins’ Defeat to Bills

On Thursday night, Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa sustained a concussion during his team’s 31-10 defeat to the Buffalo Bills, adding to his concerning history of head injuries. Tagovailoa, who had previously voiced concerns about his concussion history, was injured in the third quarter of the game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.

The incident occurred when Tagovailoa, in an attempt to secure a first down, dove head-first and collided with Bills safety Damar Hamlin. Tagovailoa remained on the ground and received medical attention from Dolphins trainers. Although he was able to walk off the field on his own, he was later declared “out with a concussion,” and replaced by backup quarterback Skylar Thompson.

Tagovailoa’s concussion history is notable, with multiple concussions sustained during the 2022 season. In April 2023, he admitted that he had contemplated retiring from football due to his ongoing concussion issues.

Following the game, Hamlin expressed his well wishes for Tagovailoa’s recovery. “I know he’s a fighter. He’ll be back soon for sure,” Hamlin told reporters.

Hamlin himself has faced serious injury concerns. Last January, during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals, he collapsed after a tackle, leading to a cardiac arrest. Hamlin required CPR, defibrillation, and was on a ventilator for several days. His cardiac arrest was later attributed to commotio cordis, a condition where a blow to the chest disrupts the heart’s electrical signals.

The injury to Tagovailoa unfolded midway through the third quarter when he attempted to run for a first down. As he crossed the line, he dove head-first, leading to a collision with Hamlin’s chest. This approach contrasts with the usual technique for quarterbacks, who typically slide feet-first to avoid injury, with defenders penalized for hitting a sliding player.

A former NFL player, commented that Tagovailoa’s decision to dive head-first was a lapse in judgment. “Sometimes, the competitive drive can overshadow training and judgment. In this high-stakes game, that one moment of letting his guard down could have significant consequences,” Wire said.

Mitchell Schwartz, a Super Bowl-winning offensive lineman, suggested that Tagovailoa might need to consider retirement. “It’s hard to say, but seeing his reactions to head injuries is concerning. At some point, the risk might outweigh the benefits,” Schwartz wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said that Tagovailoa was in “good spirits” after the game. “I talked to him on the field and in the locker room before he left. He seemed positive,” McDaniel reported.

McDaniel admitted that his initial reaction to Tagovailoa’s injury was concern. “It’s not something you want to be part of. My focus is on supporting Tua and ensuring he gets the proper evaluation,” McDaniel said. The coach indicated that it was too soon to determine whether Tagovailoa would be placed on injured reserve, which would sideline him for at least four games. “We need to evaluate him properly and take it one day at a time,” McDaniel added.

When asked about the safety of Tagovailoa continuing to play football given his concussion history, McDaniel refrained from making any definitive statements. “I’m not a medical expert. My role is to support Tua and his well-being,” he said. McDaniel emphasized that further information would be available after more evaluations.

Despite his struggles during the game, including three interceptions, Tagovailoa took time to connect with his teammates and keep their spirits up, showcasing his leadership and character. “His concern for his teammates and his efforts to uplift them reflect his strong character and importance to the team,” McDaniel concluded.

The Dolphins will now have to navigate the coming weeks with the uncertainty surrounding Tagovailoa’s recovery and future availability.