The NFL world watched in shock and horror. Miami Dolphins Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa left the third quarter of the Week 2 game with a concussion. Buffalo Bills Tagovailoa suffered a concussion on Thursday Night Football. This is Tagovailoa's fourth concussion. It was just two years ago that football fans watched Tagovailoa suffer an apparent head injury against the Bills, return to the game, start again against the Bengals four days later, only to be carried off on a stretcher with another concussion.
Tagovailoa left the field of his own volition on Thursday and was reported to have been “conscious, awake and alert” after the game, with full movement of his arms and legs. As fans await an update on Tagovailoa's status for the remainder of the season, there is already discussion about whether the 26-year-old quarterback should retire due to his recurring head injuries.
Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel He said he doesn't know when Tua will return to the field.However, I don't expect him to play in next week's game. Coach McDaniel also acknowledged the retirement rumors when asked about Tagovailoa on Friday, but gave a great response saying it's his biggest concern right now. Read Coach McDaniel's full response on Tagovailoa's retirement here.
Below is the transcript:
“You're talking about this career, right? His career is his,” McDaniel said. “And I think that's something that I really, really, really hope for. I completely understand that.” [the question]and that's not misplaced. I know people want to go there. But I just hope people will just listen to what I'm saying, which is that talking about his future is not in his best interest. So I ask everyone who really cares, just keep that in the back of your mind.
After Tagovailoa was taken off the field Thursday night after being diagnosed with a concussion, McDaniel gave him a big kiss on the head.
McDaniel's comments are spot on, but it's fair to question his past actions. Tagovailoa suffered an apparent head injury in the 2022 season but returned to the game. He suffered an even more gruesome concussion four days later against the Bengals, and McDaniel likely had a hand in allowing Tua onto the field.
It will be interesting to see how Tagovailoa's season unfolds from here on out. What matters most is that he is set up for a long and healthy life after football. The contract and football implications for the Dolphins will have to wait for another day. For now, we can only hope that Tua is okay.
