Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered a concussion for the third time in his NFL career when he collided with defensive back Damar Hamlin and hit the back of his head on the field during Thursday night’s game against the Buffalo Bills.
Tagovailoa stayed on the ground for about two minutes before he got up and walked to the sideline. He later headed to the tunnel, glanced at the stands, smiled, and went to the locker room.
The Dolphins quickly announced that he had a concussion. Tagovailoa had two concussions during the 2022 season and was also diagnosed with one while playing college football at Alabama.
Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said Tagovailoa would undergo a “proper procedural evaluation” and receive “appropriate care” the next day.
McDaniel emphasized that the focus was on Tagovailoa’s health, not the timeline for his return. “We need to evaluate and focus on my teammate, just like the rest of the team is,” McDaniel said. “We’ll get more information tomorrow and handle it day by day.”
Some players who saw Tagovailoa in the locker room after the game were reassured by his condition. Tagovailoa spoke with some teammates before going home, McDaniel mentioned.
Quarterback Skylar Thompson, who took over for Tagovailoa after the injury, expressed concern for Tagovailoa’s well-being. “You care about the person more than the player, and everyone in the organization feels the same way,” Thompson said. “We’re all praying for Tua and hoping for a positive outcome.”
Tagovailoa signed a four-year, $212 million contract extension before this season, making him one of the top earners in the NFL. He led the league in passing yards in Week 1. Tagovailoa left the game with the Dolphins behind 31-10, which was the final score.
Bills quarterback Josh Allen expressed his sympathy for Tagovailoa after the game. “If you know Tua outside of football, you can’t help but feel for him,” Allen said.
“He’s a great football player but an even greater person. He’s one of the best people you’ll meet. I care a lot about him and am hoping everything turns out okay. This game has its ups and downs, and this is definitely one of the downs.”
Tagovailoa’s college career and his first three NFL seasons were troubled by injuries, but he had a strong 2023 season, which set him up for a big salary increase. He led the Dolphins to the playoffs, throwing for 29 touchdowns and leading the league with 4,624 yards last year.
It’s uncertain when or if he will return this season. In April 2023, Tagovailoa mentioned that his concussions from the 2022 season made him consider his future in football. “I think I considered it for a time,” he said when asked if he thought about retiring for his own safety.
McDaniel said he can’t decide whether Tagovailoa should come back to play. “He’ll be evaluated and we’ll discuss it and move forward as needed,” McDaniel said.
Tagovailoa got injured on a fourth-down play with about 4:30 left in the third quarter. He went straight into Hamlin without sliding, using his right shoulder.
Hamlin is known for suffering a cardiac arrest after a tackle during a January 2023 game in Cincinnati, which led to the NFL postponing a key game due to the serious incident broadcasted nationally.
Tagovailoa ended up on his back, with both hands in the air. Bills players immediately pointed at him, indicating an injury. Dolphins center Aaron Brewer also signaled to the sideline for help.
While on the ground, Tagovailoa seemed to be making a fist with his right hand. This movement, known as the “fencing response,” can often occur after a serious head injury.
Tagovailoa eventually stood up. McDaniel touched the side of Tagovailoa’s head and gave him a kiss on the cheek as he left the field. Thompson came in to replace him.
“I love Tua on and off the football field,” said Bills edge rusher Von Miller. “I’m a huge fan of him. I can understand and sympathize with him because I’ve been in similar situations. I wish him the best.”
Tagovailoa’s history with concussions and his efforts to avoid them are a significant part of his career story and have become important again now.
During the 2022 season, Tagovailoa had at least two concussions. He was hurt in a Week 3 game against Buffalo but returned after being cleared, even though he looked disoriented at the time.
Following this, the NFL updated its concussion protocol to require that players who show signs of a concussion, such as unsteadiness, must sit out for the rest of the game.
Shortly after, in a Thursday night game at Cincinnati, Tagovailoa suffered a severe concussion from a hit that briefly knocked him unconscious and led to him being taken off the field on a stretcher.
He had another known concussion in December against Green Bay and did not play again for the rest of the 2022 season. Since then, Tagovailoa has been working on ways to fall more safely and protect himself, including learning jiu-jitsu.
“I’m not worried about anything that’s out of my hands,” McDaniel said. “I’m just focused on the person.”
