Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who has faced a tumultuous journey with injuries, is once again sidelined due to another concussion. This recent setback marks the third concussion of his NFL career, casting a shadow over his immediate future on the field. Despite this, Tagovailoa remains steadfast in his goal to continue his professional career.
The Dolphins' decision to place Tagovailoa on injured reserve in Week 3, following a Week 2 concussion against the Buffalo Bills, means the team will have to manage without their starting quarterback until at least Week 7. Tagovailoa is scheduled to visit with a neurologist this week to assess the full extent of his injury. Encouragingly, reports from ESPN indicate that Tagovailoa "feels fine" nearly two weeks after the incident, though the road to recovery remains cautious.
The Dolphins organization has clearly shown trust in Tagovailoa, viewing him as their long-term solution at quarterback. This confidence was solidified earlier in the offseason when Miami signed Tagovailoa to a lucrative four-year, $212.4 million contract extension. The deal includes a hefty $167.2 million guaranteed, with $93.2 million fully guaranteed at the time of signing, underscoring the team's commitment to their young star.
Under head coach Mike McDaniel, Tagovailoa has led the Dolphins to a commendable 20-11 record in games he both starts and finishes. Conversely, the team has struggled significantly in his absence, posting a meager 1-7 record in games where Tagovailoa is either absent or forced to leave early. This stark contrast highlights how integral Tagovailoa is to the team's success.
Despite the latest concussion, Tagovailoa remains determined to return to action this season and has openly expressed his desire to continue playing into 2024. This resilience speaks volumes about his dedication and competitive spirit, qualities that have endeared him to both teammates and fans alike.
The Dolphins, maintaining their faith in Tagovailoa, have shown no interest in trading for another quarterback. This stance reaffirms their belief in Tagovailoa as their franchise cornerstone. While his health will always be a priority, the Dolphins seem committed to supporting his return to full fitness and ensuring his long-term role with the team.
As the Dolphins navigate the coming weeks without their star quarterback, the focus will undoubtedly be on ensuring Tagovailoa's safe and thorough recovery. His resilience and the organization's unwavering support suggest that, while the immediate future may be uncertain, Tagovailoa's journey is far from over.