Where Would The Jubilant Dolphins Offense Turn If This Key Player Retired?
In 2022, the Dolphins quarterback suffered three severe concussions. Tagovailoa has had two confirmed concussions and one suspected concussion in one season; those injuries resulted in the 3-year quarterback missing more than six games in the campaign.
The first concussion occurred in the Week 3 matchup between the Dolphins and Buffalo, a 21-19 victory in Miami.
Week Three vs. Bills
The first concussion appeared in the last drive before halftime. Matt Milano, LB, of the Buffalo Bills, was called for roughing the passer after he pushed Tagovailoa down to the turf.
After the push to the ground, Tua was visibly unsteady after taking the late hit from Milano after hitting his head on the turf.
Later, the quarterback stated that he lacked muscle control which he called “back spasms.”
You hate to see this for Tua. He has shut up the haters with his play and was battling toe to toe with the vaunted Buffalo Bills and MVP favorite Josh Allen. Praying for his health and for a full recovery from this. pic.twitter.com/1OV8Sq8ocj — Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) September 25, 2022
After the scary head injury, the Miami Dolphins staff allowed Tua to re-enter the game in the second half, which was quite perplexing. It sparked a massive debate in the social media world because he had a suspected concussion.
However, he passed the concussion protocol per Ian Rapoport. “My understanding of the Tua Tagovailoa situation: He tweaked his back in the 1st quarter on a sneak and didn’t miss time. After the Matt Milano hit, his back locked up — leading to him wobbling. Into the locker room for a full concussion check. Fully cleared. Now on the field.”
After the game, the NFL Players Association said it would review whether Miami followed the concussion protocol.
Dolphins vs. Bengals Week Four
In a short week, Tua was listed as questionable before the game versus Cincinnati for “Thursday Night Football” with back and ankle injuries. The quarterback later got the start to play that night.
Later that night, Josh Tupou, DL, Cincinnati Bengals, slammed the Dolphins quarterback to the ground. Tagovailoa was on the field with a troubling response as his fingers were unstable.
⚠️CONTENT WARNING | GRAPHIC VIDEO⚠️ Just days after sustaining a serious neck/head injury, Tua Tagovailoa has suffered additional head trauma and displayed the fencing response. Tagovailoa was stabilized and stretchered off the field. Very scary sight. pic.twitter.com/ks52j4Cs2P — Prime Time Sports Talk (@TalkPrimeTime) September 30, 2022
Tua was stabilized and stretchered off the field. The outpouring of the fans’ raw emotions began to sizzle online, stating that Tua should’ve never been allowed to play. It looks terrible on NFLPA for allowing him to play.
In Week Five, the NFL created the “Tua Rule,” an update to the NFL’s concussion protocol, jointly agreed upon by the league and the NFLPA. Under the protocol, ataxia or gross motor instability has been added as “no-go” symptoms that would mandate the immediate removal of a player from a game.
Week 16 vs. Packers
Tua suffered a concussion in Week 16 after hitting his head on the ground, which was unnoticed by the Dolphins’ medical staff because they kept him in the game. It’s their job to ensure the player is fine to continue the game, but they failed. In the second half, the quarterback threw three second-half interceptions.
Tua Tagovailoa’s Future With The Dolphins
Who knows where the Dolphins’ would turn if Tua retired? They could land Trey Lance, reportedly on the San Francisco 49ers trading block. Other than Lance, there are few options that the Dolphins can turn to at the quarterback spot, and they don’t have a first-round draft pick this year.
Although Tua considered retirement, he says he’s not done playing. His injuries could’ve been career-ending for the quarterback. Tua has the stats to back up his impressive 2022 season, but his injuries held him back.
Tua was asked if he had ever considered retirement after Wednesday’s press conference.
Tua Tagovailoa said he considered retirement after his second diagnosed concussion of 2022. Here’s his explanation of why he did not. pic.twitter.com/g01FmEkY9C — Adam Beasley (@AdamHBeasley) April 19, 2023
“Yeah, I think I considered it, you know, for a time, having sat down with my family, having sat down with my wife, and having those kinds of conversations,” Tagovailoa said. He then went on to say that he wants his son to see him play the game of football. “Yeah, I mean, it’s my health, my body. I feel like this is what’s best for my family and me. I love the game of football. If I didn’t, I would have quite a long time [ago].”
The biggest thing in the 2023 season would be if Tua can avoid taking hits and getting hurt.
Will he control how he falls to the ground after taking a hit or facing pressure from defenses?
Concussions are serious, and Tua has to decide what’s best for his health. If he’s unable to make changes, he will ultimately have to decide about his football career.
Regarding the fifth-year option for Tua, the Dolphins still have the decision to make. They could explore other options at the quarterback spot. However, there’s no telling if the organization is nervous, but the deadline to use the fifth-year option is May 2.