Injury update: Concerns for Tua Tagovailoa after potential concussion against Bills

Sept. 13, 2024, 5:30 a.m. Sports

Injury Update: Concerns for Tua Tagovailoa After Potential Concussion Against Bills

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered a potential concussion during the team's matchup against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. The injury occurred in the second quarter of the game when Tagovailoa was tackled hard by Bills defensive end A.J. Epenesa. The hit left Tagovailoa lying on the ground for a few moments before he was able to get up and walk off the field with the help of trainers.

The Dolphins medical staff immediately evaluated Tagovailoa for a concussion and he was ultimately ruled out for the remainder of the game. The team later confirmed that Tagovailoa is currently in the league's concussion protocol, which means he must pass a series of tests before he is cleared to return to play.

This injury is particularly concerning for Tagovailoa and the Dolphins as it comes at a crucial point in the season. The Dolphins are currently in the hunt for a playoff spot and losing Tagovailoa, their starting quarterback, could have a significant impact on their postseason aspirations.

Tagovailoa, who was selected fifth overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, has shown flashes of potential in his second season in the league. He has thrown for 2,513 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions in 11 games this season. Despite some ups and downs, Tagovailoa has shown growth and improvement as a young quarterback in the league.

If Tagovailoa is unable to play in the Dolphins' upcoming games, the team will turn to backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett to lead the offense. Brissett, a veteran quarterback who has started games for the Indianapolis Colts in the past, has experience but may not have the same playmaking ability as Tagovailoa.

The Dolphins will need to rely on their defense and running game to carry them through if Tagovailoa is forced to miss any games. The team's defense, led by standout cornerback Xavien Howard, has been one of the best in the league this season and will need to continue to perform at a high level to keep the Dolphins in playoff contention.

In addition to Tagovailoa, the Dolphins are also dealing with injuries to several key players, including wide receiver DeVante Parker and tight end Mike Gesicki. The team's depth will be tested in the coming weeks as they look to secure a playoff berth in a competitive AFC conference.

The Dolphins will monitor Tagovailoa's progress in the concussion protocol closely in the coming days. His health and well-being are the team's top priority, and they will not rush him back onto the field if he is not fully recovered.

As the Dolphins navigate through this challenging stretch of the season, their focus will be on taking things one game at a time and trusting in their depth and resilience as a team. The Dolphins will need to come together and find ways to win games, even in the absence of key players like Tagovailoa, if they want to achieve their goal of making it to the postseason.