The NFL world watched in shock and horror as Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa left with a concussion during the third quarter of a Week 2 matchup with the Buffalo Bills on Thursday Night Football. This is Tagovailoa’s fourth known concussion. It was only two years ago that football fans watched Tagovailoa suffer an apparent head injury against the Bills, re-enter the game, and then start again four days later against the Bengals only to be carried off the field in a stretcher when he suffered another concussion.
Tagovailoa walked off the field on his own accord on Thursday, and was reportedly “conscious, awake, and alert” with full movement in extremities after the game. As fans await an update on Tagovailoa’s status for the rest of the season, there has already been discourse on whether or not the 26-year-old QB should retire due to repeated head injuries.
Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said he did not know when Tua would return the field, but he wouldn’t expect him to play next week. McDaniel also acknowledged the retirement speculation when asked about Tagovailoa on Friday, but gave a wonderful response about how that’s far the biggest concern right now. Right watch McDaniel’s full answer on Tagovailoa retirement talk here:
Here’s a transcription:
“You’re talking about this career, right? His career is his.” McDaniel said. “And that’s something that I think, I just really, really, really wish — I totally understand [the question], and it’s not misplaced. I totally get how that’s where people want to go to. I just wish people would, for a second, hear what I’m saying — that bringing up his future is not in the best interest of him. So I’m going to plead with everybody that does genuinely care, that should be the last thing on your mind.
As Tagovailoa walked off the field on Thursday night with a diagnosed concussion, McDaniel gave him a big smooch on the head:
McDaniel’s words are spot on, but it’s fair to question his past actions. Back in the 2022 season, Tagovailoa sustained an apparent head injury, but returned to the game. He played four days later against the Bengals and suffered an even scarier concussion. McDaniel likely played a role in Tua seeing the field in that instance.
It will be fascinating to see how Tagovailoa’s season plays out from here. The most important thing is that he’s set up for a long and healthy life after football. The contract and football implications for the Dolphins can wait for another day. For now, let’s just hope Tua is okay.
