The Miami Dolphins have hit another stumbling block early in the NFL season, placing quarterback Tua Tagovailoa on injured reserve after he sustained a concussion in last Thursday's game against the Buffalo Bills. This unfortunate incident marks the third documented concussion of Tagovailoa's burgeoning NFL career, casting a shadow over the Dolphins' immediate future.
Under the league's strict concussion protocols, Tagovailoa is mandated to miss at least the next four games, making him eligible to return no sooner than Week 8 when the Dolphins face the Arizona Cardinals. The Dolphins, currently holding a 1-1 record, are keenly feeling the absence of their key playmaker, who had guided them to a win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 1 before their recent loss to Buffalo.
Next Man Up: Skylar Thompson
With Tagovailoa sidelined, the responsibility now falls on backup quarterback Skylar Thompson. Thompson, the only other quarterback listed on the Dolphins' depth chart prior to recent roster changes, will lead the team in Sunday's road game against the Seattle Seahawks, who also start the week with a 1-1 record.
Thompson's ascension to the starting role puts him under a microscope as fans and analysts alike watch to see if he can navigate the Dolphins through this turbulent period. The challenge ahead is compounded by the Dolphins' swift move to bolster their quarterback depth, signing former Pro Bowl quarterback Snoop Huntley off the Baltimore Ravens' practice squad. Huntley’s presence could provide both insurance and competition for Thompson as they prepare for the games ahead.
Tagovailoa's Road to Recovery
Tagovailoa is setting his sights on recovery and a return to the field. Despite the serious nature of his injuries—being the only NFL quarterback to enter concussion protocol three times in the past five years—retirement is reportedly not on his agenda. Instead, he remains focused on getting medically cleared through the NFL’s rigorous five-step concussion protocol.
According to these protocols, players must undergo a gradual progression from limited physical activity to full, unrestricted participation, ensuring they remain symptom-free at each stage before moving forward. This stringent process underscores the league's increasing focus on player safety, particularly concerning head injuries.
Dolphins Strengthening Their Roster
The Dolphins' management wasted no time in addressing their quarterback shortfall. Their acquisition of Huntley, who boasts a proven track record and a Pro Bowl appearance, is a strategic move aimed at providing depth and experience to the quarterback position. Huntley's familiarity with the pressures of high-stakes games could prove invaluable in maintaining stability within the team's offensive unit.
As Thompson prepares to take the helm against the Seahawks, the eyes of the NFL community are on Miami. Will Thompson rise to the occasion, or will Huntley soon find himself thrust into the starting role? Either way, the Dolphins’ immediate future is fraught with uncertainty.
Looking Ahead
The Dolphins' upcoming schedule does not provide much respite. After facing the Seahawks, the team will have to navigate without their star quarterback for at least three more games. Each matchup will be critical in determining whether they can remain competitive until Tagovailoa's anticipated return in Week 8.
In the meantime, the health and safety of Tua Tagovailoa remain a primary concern for the Dolphins organization and its fans. As the weeks unfold, the hope is that he will recover fully and return to his role as the cornerstone of the team's offense. Until then, all eyes will be on Thompson and Huntley as they strive to keep the Dolphins' playoff hopes alive.