Miami Dolphins Place Tua Tagovailoa on Injured Reserve Following Concussion
The Miami Dolphins have made a significant roster adjustment, placing their starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa on injured reserve. This decision follows a concussion he sustained during last Thursday night's game against the Buffalo Bills. Notably, this is Tagovailoa's third documented concussion in his professional career, underscoring the severity of his current situation.
According to NFL rules regarding the injured reserve list, Tagovailoa is required to miss a minimum of four games. This timeline means that the earliest he could possibly return would be in Week 8, when the Dolphins are scheduled to play against the Arizona Cardinals. Until that point, the Dolphins will have to navigate their schedule without their primary signal-caller.
Tagovailoa's injury comes at a pivotal time. The Dolphins, having split their first two games of the season, triumphed over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 1 and suffered a defeat at the hands of Buffalo. As a result, they hold a 1-1 record, identical to their next opponents, the Seattle Seahawks.
Next Man Up: Skylar Thompson
With Tagovailoa sidelined, the Dolphins have turned to Skylar Thompson as their starting quarterback. Thompson, who is currently the only other quarterback listed on Miami's depth chart, will lead the team in their upcoming road game against the Seahawks. This situation thrusts Thompson into the spotlight, putting the pressure on him to deliver strong performances under challenging circumstances.
Recognizing the thin depth at quarterback, the Dolphins have made another strategic move by signing former Ravens Pro Bowl quarterback Snoop Huntley off Baltimore’s practice squad. Huntley brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record, which could be invaluable as the Dolphins navigate the upcoming games without Tagovailoa.
Tagovailoa's Concussion History and NFL Protocol
Tagovailoa's concussion history is particularly noteworthy. He is the only quarterback to have entered the NFL's concussion protocol three separate times in the past five years. Despite the accumulation of injuries, Tagovailoa is not currently considering retirement. Instead, he remains focused on his recovery and getting cleared for his eventual return to the field.
The NFL's concussion protocol is a stringent five-step process designed to ensure a player's full recovery before they return to play. This process involves a gradual progression from limited physical activity to full, unrestricted participation. For a player to advance through each stage of the protocol, they must be symptom-free, ensuring that their return to the field does not compromise their health and safety.
The Road Ahead for the Dolphins
The immediate challenge for the Dolphins is their pending matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, who also hold a 1-1 record. This game is crucial for both teams as they seek to gain early-season momentum. With Skylar Thompson at the helm, the team faces a significant test. The addition of Snoop Huntley to the roster provides some much-needed depth and experience, potentially offering a stabilizing influence during this uncertain period.
As the Dolphins work through the temporary loss of their star quarterback, the focus remains on Tagovailoa's recovery. His return will depend not only on the passage of the mandatory four-game absence but also on his ability to progress through the NFL's rigorous concussion protocol. Both the team and its fans will undoubtedly be monitoring his status closely, hopeful for a full and swift recovery.
For now, Skylar Thompson and Snoop Huntley will need to step up, guiding the Dolphins through a challenging stretch of their schedule. It will be a critical test of the team's depth, resilience, and ability to adapt in the face of adversity.