Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa sustained his third diagnosed NFL concussion during Thursday night’s 31-10 defeat against the Buffalo Bills. The injury occurred in the third quarter when Tagovailoa collided with Bills safety Damar Hamlin while scrambling for a first down. After the hit, Tagovailoa displayed a fencing response, a telltale sign of a head injury, and was immediately attended to by medical personnel.
Tagovailoa was able to walk off the field with assistance but was quickly ruled out for the remainder of the game. Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, while optimistic about Tagovailoa’s spirits, emphasized that there is no timeline for his return. “It’s about evaluating him properly and taking things one day at a time,” McDaniel said.
Skylar Thompson replaced Tagovailoa and would likely start in Week 3 against the Seattle Seahawks if Tagovailoa is unable to play. McDaniel expressed confidence in Thompson, citing the quarterback’s experience in critical games last season.
Tagovailoa’s history with concussions, especially from the 2022 season, has drawn attention. The NFL previously updated its concussion protocols following his injury mishandling, leading to an increased focus on player safety. As of now, the Dolphins remain focused on Tagovailoa’s health, with McDaniel stating that each situation is treated uniquely. “We’re concerned about the human being first,” he said.
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