Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa sustained a concussion during the team’s 31-10 loss to the visiting Buffalo Bills on Thursday night, adding to his history of head injuries. The incident occurred in the third quarter when Tagovailoa scrambled for a first down and was hit in the head by Bills safety Damar Hamlin. He remained on the ground at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens and was attended to by the Dolphins' medical staff.
Tagovailoa, 26, eventually walked off the field under his own power but did not return to the game, with backup quarterback Skylar Thompson stepping in. The Dolphins confirmed via social media that Tagovailoa had been “ruled out with a concussion.”
This marks another serious head injury for Tagovailoa, who suffered multiple concussions during the 2022 season.
In April 2023, he openly discussed contemplating retirement due to his concussion history, saying he considered stepping away from football "for a time."
Coach McDaniel: ‘Taking it one day at a time’
After the game, Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said Tagovailoa was in “good spirits” but expressed concern about the quarterback's condition.
“I talked to him in the locker room,” McDaniel said. “He was in good spirits. Obviously, I was concerned when I saw him go down. It’s not something you ever want to see happen.”
McDaniel added that it was too early to decide whether Tagovailoa would be placed on injured reserve, which would sideline him for at least four games. “We’ll get a proper evaluation tomorrow and take it one day at a time,” he said, emphasizing the importance of focusing on Tagovailoa’s recovery rather than setting a timeline for his return.
When asked whether it was still safe for Tagovailoa to continue playing football given his concussion history, McDaniel declined to speculate. “That’s not my area of expertise,” he said. “I’m here to support my teammate.”
Despite struggling in the game, throwing three interceptions before his exit, Tagovailoa made a point of connecting with his teammates in the locker room post-game, encouraging them to “keep their heads up.”
“His leadership and character were on full display,” McDaniel said. “Even in a tough moment, he was focused on supporting his team. That says a lot about the person he is and what he means to this team.”
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