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Dolphins consider next steps following Tagovailoa's concussion
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    Dolphins consider next steps following Tagovailoa’s concussion

    MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The Miami Dolphins will bring in another quarterback while starter Tua Tagovailoa deals with his latest concussion, and coach Mike McDaniel insisted Friday that the only thing that should matter to him — or anyone — is Tagovailoa’s health.

    For the short term at least, Skylar Thompson will be considered the Dolphins’ starter while Tagovailoa is sidelined. Tagovailoa left Thursday night’s 31-10 loss to Buffalo in the third quarter with the third known concussion of his NFL career, all of them coming in the last 24 months.

    “The team and the organization are very confident in Skylar,” McDaniel said.

    McDaniel said the team has not made any decision about whether to place Tagovailoa on injured reserve. Tagovailoa was expected at the team facility sometime Friday to start the process of being evaluated in earnest.

    How long that process takes is one of the countless unknowns right now.

    “The people that matter most, and their opinions, are Tua, the doctors and the experts,” McDaniel said.

    McDaniel said he tried to call Tagovailoa around 9 a.m. Friday to check on him but didn’t connect because the quarterback was still asleep. The two have expressed often over their time together that their relationship is close and McDaniel tried to make clear multiple times Friday that his top priority is Tagovailoa’s well-being — not when he plays again.

    “All the science behind concussions tells you what we’ve learned is how delicate the time is right after an injury and how important it is that you don’t institute extra sources of anxiety,” McDaniel said. “So, from my vantage point, I feel it’s supremely important in understanding that, that I’m not giving off any sort of vibes.”

    There are a slew of veteran quarterbacks available for the Dolphins to consider, including Jimmy Garoppolo and former Miami starter Ryan Tannehill. The Dolphins have not revealed any players who are under consideration, and — despite plenty of former players suggesting it may be time for Tagovailoa to consider his long-term health — McDaniel said it would be “so wrong” for him to even think about weighing in on whether the quarterback should play again.

    “I wish people would for a second hear what I’m saying, that bringing up his future is not in the best interest of him,” McDaniel said. “So, I’m going to plead with everybody that does genuinely care — that should be the last thing on your mind.”

    McDaniel added that he doesn’t see Tagovailoa playing in Miami’s next game at Seattle on Sept. 22.

    Tagovailoa was hurt on a play where he collided into Bills defensive back Damar Hamlin. Tagovailoa, who was rushing successfully for a first down, initiated the contact by lowering his shoulder into Hamlin instead of sliding as many quarterbacks do on a scramble.

    McDaniel gave his quarterback a kiss on the side of the head as he left the field Thursday. McDaniel revealed Friday that, in that moment, he was telling Tagovailoa to focus on what matters most — his health and his family.

    “All I’m telling Tua is everyone is counting on you to be a dad and be a dad this weekend,” McDaniel said. “And then we’ll move from there.”

    There are five steps, as mandated by the NFL concussion protocol, that Tagovailoa will have to clear before he can return to the field. That process can take days or even weeks.

    Tagovailoa was 17 for 25 passing for 145 yards, with one touchdown and three interceptions — one of which was returned for a Buffalo score — when he got hurt. Thompson completed eight of 14 passes for 80 yards.

    “We’re just evaluating the pros and cons for the different situations and getting through all those possibilities to do the best thing for the team,” McDaniel said, when revealing that the team had already decided to bring in another quarterback. “But as it stands today, I’m expecting that Skylar is the next man up.”

    Thompson said he feels “fully equipped” to run the Dolphins’ offence.

    “What’s going to lie ahead, who knows, but man, I’m confident, though,” Thompson said after Thursday’s game. “I feel like I’m ready for whatever’s to come. I’m going to prepare and work hard and do everything I can to lead this team and do my job.”

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    What happens next after Tua Tagovailoa’s latest concussion


    Former NFL players say Tua Tagovailoa should retire after latest concussion

    Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered a concussion during the team’s recent game against the Buffalo Bills, leaving many fans and teammates concerned about his health and the future of the team’s season. As the Dolphins consider their next steps following Tagovailoa’s injury, there are several important factors to take into account.

    First and foremost, the health and well-being of Tagovailoa must be the top priority for the Dolphins organization. Concussions are serious injuries that can have long-lasting effects if not properly treated and managed. It is crucial that Tagovailoa receives the necessary medical attention and follows the appropriate protocols for recovery before even considering returning to the field.

    In the meantime, the Dolphins will need to rely on backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett to lead the team in Tagovailoa’s absence. Brissett has proven to be a capable quarterback in the past, and his experience will be invaluable as the Dolphins navigate through this challenging period. The coaching staff will need to work closely with Brissett to ensure that he is prepared to step in and perform at a high level.

    Additionally, the Dolphins may need to explore other options at the quarterback position, such as signing a free agent or making a trade. While Brissett is a solid backup, having additional depth at the quarterback position is always beneficial, especially in light of Tagovailoa’s injury.

    The Dolphins will also need to adjust their game plan and strategy to account for Tagovailoa’s absence. This may involve relying more heavily on the running game, utilizing different offensive schemes, or making adjustments on defense to compensate for any potential shortcomings on offense.

    Overall, the Dolphins face a challenging road ahead as they navigate through Tagovailoa’s concussion and determine the best course of action moving forward. By prioritizing Tagovailoa’s health, supporting Brissett as he steps into the starting role, exploring additional quarterback options, and adjusting their game plan accordingly, the Dolphins can weather this storm and continue to compete at a high level in the NFL.