Last Thursday night went just about as poorly as anyone could have imagined for the Miami Dolphins. Mike McDaniel‘s squad was in the process of getting blown out before quarterback Tua Tagovailoa left the game with a concussion, a harrowing moment that recalled his terrifying 2022 season.
Given his concussion history, Tagovailoa’s football future has been in serious question in the aftermath of this most recent injury. Fans and doctors alike have begged for him to truly consider retiring, in order to prioritize his future health. While reports have come out that Tagovailoa has no plans to retire, the team did place him on Injured Reserve, which means he’s out for at least the next four weeks.
Tua Tagovailoa hit that sent him into concussion protocol
Mike McDaniel explains the decision to place Tua Tagovailoa on IR
McDaniel spoke on Wednesday about the decision to place him on IR, speaking with the kind of compassion that has endeared him with his players and football fans.
As a competitor, obviously he loves and wants to play. But understanding this is a process of health… Your responsibility to [the player] is that you provide an environment that is absolutely best catered to maximizing them as human beings and football players. The great thing about IR is, for a month’s time, there’s no timelines… That’s very empowering for him as a human being to recover from injury.
McDaniel didn’t openly concede anything, leaving reporters in the dark on when exactly Tagovailoa might be back. But it does sound like the quarterback wants to return at some point, and the team will allow it if the “environment” is right for it.
Meanwhile, the Dolphins are preparing for the next four games without Tagovailoa. Skylar Thompson will step up in his place, but the team signed veteran Tyler Huntley to provide depth and competition at the position.
