MIAMI — In 2023, Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa completed his first full season in the NFL. He finished the year leading the league in passing yards and guided the top-ranked offense to an 11-win season, securing an AFC wild-card spot.
This offseason, the Dolphins rewarded him with a four-year, $212.1 million contract extension, aiming for further progress in 2024.
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However, the beginning of the 2024 season has been rocky. In a Week 2 defeat against the Buffalo Bills, Tagovailoa sustained the third recognized concussion of his NFL career, resulting in his placement on the injured reserve just days later.
In their first match without Tagovailoa, the Dolphins suffered a 24-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. Backup quarterback Skylar Thompson struggled, throwing for just 107 yards before exiting the game with a rib injury in the third quarter. His replacement, Tim Boyle, had a lackluster performance, completing 7 of 13 passes for 79 yards. the offense managed only 205 total yards, nearly 200 yards below their season average from 2023.
As the Dolphins navigate through the early segment of a 17-game season in a highly competitive AFC, Tagovailoa’s absence for at least three more games casts uncertainty over the team’s offensive future.
Miami’s upcoming schedule includes matchups against the Tennessee Titans, New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts, and Arizona Cardinals before facing the Bills on November 3. Although this early schedule appears favorable, the quarterback situation could hinder one of the league’s highest-paid wide receiver corps, which has a combined salary of $48.7 million, consequently restricting the overall offensive capability.
With Tagovailoa’s return still in question, here’s what we currently know about his condition and the Dolphins’ status.
Tagovailoa’s placement on injured reserve entails a mandatory absence of at least four games. Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images
Tagovailoa watched the Dolphins’ recent game in Seattle. How long will he remain on injured reserve, and what barriers must he overcome to return?
NFL regulations stipulate that a player on injured reserve must miss a minimum of four games. Therefore, Tagovailoa has three games left to sit out. The Dolphins will face the Tennessee Titans and New England Patriots in the next two weeks before their Week 6 bye, culminating with a game against the Indianapolis Colts on October 20.
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Head Coach McDaniel has consistently mentioned that no specific timeline exists for Tagovailoa’s comeback, emphasizing the priority of ensuring the health of their franchise quarterback.
“The great thing about IR is there’s — for a month’s time, there’s no timelines,” McDaniel stated.
Last week, someone mentioned, “I always say this, but I’m not convinced that people truly grasp the concept; if you establish a timeline based on today’s information, how much of the unfolding events merely fulfill the predictions of that timeline? And is that the right approach? Particularly with competitors around, sometimes the intention to help can end up being counterproductive.”
“Letting go of concerns related to timelines is liberating for him as he recovers from his injury, and that’s fundamentally the primary motivating factor when dealing with players and their injuries and careers.”
If and when Tagovailoa makes his return, it will be essential for him to improve his ability to avoid contact. AP Photo/Lynne Sladky
If Tagovailoa is cleared to play, what do the Dolphins have to say about his future this season and beyond?
While their main focus is on ensuring his complete recovery, the Dolphins have not publicly indicated that Tagovailoa will no longer be their starting quarterback as long as his performance continues to warrant that role.
However, it is crucial for him to change how he protects himself in the future.
Tagovailoa’s latest concussion occurred after he chose to initiate contact with Bills defender Damar Hamlin while scrambling for a first down. This action contradicts his coaching; following two confirmed concussions in 2022, Tagovailoa stated in October that he was instructed to slide if he decided to run.
“My coaches advised me, ’We never want you to [initiate contact],'” Tagovailoa noted. “I understand that, especially considering the injuries I’ve had previously with concussions. But for me, it’s part of football. When I can see that first down, I want to do everything possible to obtain it.”
Before Miami’s Week 3 game, McDaniel expressed comprehension of why a player might initiate contact during a run—but he does not support this behavior from his quarterbacks.
“I value competitiveness and the drive to gain every yard, but I do not coach quarterbacks to run over defenders,” McDaniel explained. “Yet, while participating in a competitive sport where others strive to tackle you energetically, the urge to compete can overtake one’s judgment. I don’t judge that harshly; instead, I focus on lessons learned and how we can address similar situations in the future. My philosophy remains unchanged. It’s about understanding the situation and perhaps recognizing the yard line or opting to run to an open space or slide.”
Should Tua be unable to return, the Dolphins and the quarterback’s representatives are likely to negotiate a settlement regarding the funds owed to the player. Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
If he isn’t medically cleared to play, what do the Dolphins owe Tagovailoa, and how does it influence the salary cap? How does the situation change if he is cleared but opts to retire?
Tagovailoa’s contract extends to $167.1 million in guaranteed funds, with $93.1 million fully guaranteed at signing. If he is never medically cleared to play, he is entitled to the entire $167.1 million. In such an instance, the Dolphins have insurance coverage for up to $49.3 million of Tagovailoa’s contract—though it remains unclear if concussions are excluded from the Dolphins’ insurance policy.
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Two insurance experts, lacking direct insight into Miami’s policy, informed ESPN they would expect concussions to be excluded from Miami’s coverage concerning Tagovailoa, based on their experiences with insurance carriers.
If Tagovailoa is medically cleared to play and chooses to retire, he would forfeit his right to any remaining contractual obligations.
guaranteed money. The most probable outcome in this situation is that Tagovailoa and the Dolphins will arrive at some form of amicable settlement—one that would include the team foregoing any attempt to reclaim a portion of Tagovailoa’s $42 million signing bonus. An NFL consultant, lacking direct knowledge of the Dolphins’ strategy, indicated to ESPN that if Tagovailoa chooses to retire after the season, the Dolphins may suggest he does so post-June 1. This would result in an $8.4 million cap charge for 2025, leaving the remaining $25.2 million to impact the 2026 salary cap.
The “likely outcome,” according to the source, is that should Tagovailoa retire, the Dolphins would permit him to retain his signing bonus and potentially offer a further settlement, albeit likely not substantially large in relation to his contract.
At present, neither Tagovailoa nor any of his teammates or coaches has hinted at any retirement plans.
If he does not play again, what would this mean for the Dolphins?
Tagovailoa’s retirement would immediately shake up the Dolphins’ aspirations as a Super Bowl contender. Miami is structured to compete now, boasting skill players like Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and De’Von Achane, who are under contract for the next few seasons. However, without the right quarterback, the supporting cast’s potential might prove irrelevant.
The Dolphins currently have Thompson, Boyle, and Tyler Huntley as their quarterbacks, but if Tagovailoa were to step away, Miami might seek a veteran option like Ryan Tannehill, explore a trade for a player such as Jimmy Garoppolo, or acquire a young quarterback in need of a fresh start, like Bryce Young.
Thompson has one year left on his rookie deal, but it’s improbable he would begin the 2025 season as the starting quarterback under these circumstances. Should Tagovailoa not take the field again this season, Miami could secure a high draft pick in the 2025 NFL draft and potentially select a quarterback. Top prospects such as Shedeur Sanders from Colorado, Cam Ward from Miami, and Carson Beck from Georgia could be on the board.
Regardless of the outcome, the Dolphins must address the quarterback position in the absence of Tagovailoa. Failing to do so could mean a reset for a rebuild that once showed great promise.
Skylar Thompson, Tagovailoa’s primary backup, is recovering from a rib injury sustained in the game against the Seahawks on Sunday. Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire
If Thompson recovers from the rib injury, will he start again?
This is the least experienced group of quarterbacks the Dolphins have had since Tagovailoa was selected fifth overall in 2020. When the Dolphins signed Huntley off the Ravens’ practice squad, McDaniel noted this move was aimed at bolstering depth behind Thompson.
However, he did leave the possibility open for competition. Especially following Thompson and the Dolphins’ performance versus Seattle in Week 3, Huntley might see playing time soon. McDaniel characterized Thompson’s rib injury as “painful,” stating that the team expected to learn more about it on Monday.
“I believe it helps the dynamic of the room to include another player with starting experience,” McDaniel said last week after acquiring Huntley, “which provides an additional asset of a quarterback a team can rally behind. I was pleased with what we accomplished in the quarterback room—adding Boyle was beneficial, but I think [adding Huntley] is primarily aimed at backing up Skylar. Competition will always unfold on the field, but this move was certainly about depth.”
Miami may also look to Boyle, who brings starting experience to the table. He has completed 102 of 157 passes for 853 yards, with 4 touchdowns and 9 interceptions over five career starts with the Green Bay Packers and New York Jets. He also led the Dolphins on their two longest drives during relief of Thompson on Sunday.
Tagovailoa could still make a return for the final 11 regular-season games. Even if the Dolphins are sitting at 1-5 when he returns, there remains a slim chance for advancement in the AFC playoff picture. However, with upcoming games against the Packers, Jets, Texans, 49ers, Browns, and another matchup against the Jets, it will be challenging for the Dolphins to secure a postseason berth for a third consecutive year.
Tua Tagovailoa’s Injury Crisis: Dolphins Face Uncertain Future Without Their Star Quarterback
Understanding the Injury Crisis
Tua Tagovailoa, the charismatic quarterback for the Miami Dolphins, has been in the spotlight not just for his impressive skills but also due to a series of concerning injuries. As the season progresses, the Dolphins face a significant challenge: how to navigate the uncertainty surrounding their star player’s health and the implications for the team’s future. This article delves deep into the injury crisis, its impact on the Dolphins, and what fans can expect moving forward.
The Impact of Tua’s Injuries
Throughout the 2023 NFL season, Tua Tagovailoa’s injuries have raised questions about his long-term viability as a starting quarterback. The following are key points regarding his injuries:
- Concussions: Tua has suffered multiple concussions that have sidelined him for significant portions of the season.
- Lower Body Injuries: He has also faced issues with his ankles and knees, which can hinder performance and mobility.
- Performance Anxiety: The fear of further injury can impact a player’s confidence and decision-making on the field.
Tua’s Journey Through Injuries
A Timeline of Injuries
| Date | Type of Injury | Duration Out |
|---|---|---|
| September 2022 | Concussion | 2 Weeks |
| November 2022 | High Ankle Sprain | 4 Weeks |
| October 2023 | Concussion | Unknown |
What Happens Next?
The Dolphins face crucial decisions as they navigate the uncertainties surrounding Tua’s health. Here are some potential scenarios:
- Medical Evaluations: The team will rely heavily on medical professionals to assess Tua’s health and determine the best course of action.
- Backup Quarterback Performance: The performance of the backup quarterback will play a significant role in determining the Dolphins’ strategy moving forward.
- Long-Term Strategy: The organization must weigh the benefits of continuing to build around Tua against the risks associated with his injuries.
Benefits and Practical Tips for the Dolphins
In light of Tua’s current situation, the Dolphins can adopt several strategies to mitigate risks and ensure a competitive edge:
1. Stronger Emphasis on Player Safety
The Dolphins should prioritize player safety, incorporating advanced training techniques and protocols to minimize the risk of further injuries.
2. Invest in a Reliable Backup
A solid backup quarterback can ensure continuity and maintain the team’s performance level in Tua’s absence.
3. Flexible Game Plans
Adjustments to offensive schemes can help accommodate the strengths of the current quarterback, whether it be Tua or a backup.
Case Studies: Teams Navigating Quarterback Injuries
Several NFL teams have faced similar crises and adapted effectively:
- New Orleans Saints: After Drew Brees’ injury, the Saints relied on Taysom Hill and Jameis Winston, proving that versatility in the roster can save the season.
- Pittsburgh Steelers: Following Ben Roethlisberger’s injuries, they successfully transitioned to a rookie quarterback, showcasing the importance of preparation.
First-Hand Experience: The Dolphins’ Fan Perspective
Dolphins fans have expressed mixed emotions regarding Tua’s injuries. Many feel a strong connection to him and believe in his potential, while others are concerned about the impact on team performance. Here are some common sentiments:
- Hope and Optimism: Many fans are hopeful that Tua can return stronger, citing his resilience and talent.
- Frustration: Some fans express frustration over the repeated injuries and what they perceive as a lack of depth at the quarterback position.
Looking at Alternatives: Potential Quarterback Options
If the Dolphins need to look beyond Tua Tagovailoa, several alternatives could be considered:
- Trade Opportunities: Exploring trades for established quarterbacks or promising talent could be an option.
- Drafting a Young Talent: The Dolphins could also look to the college ranks for a future star quarterback.
- Free Agency: Keeping an eye on free agency for reliable quarterbacks who could fill in temporarily or permanently.
Fan Reactions and Community Support
The Miami Dolphins community remains passionate and supportive. Fan forums and social media are abuzz with discussions about Tua’s future and the team’s path forward:
- Social Media Campaigns: Fans are rallying around Tua, using hashtags like #TuaStrong to show their support.
- Community Events: The Dolphins organization is organizing events to keep fans engaged and optimistic during this tough time.
Final Thoughts on Tua Tagovailoa’s Future
As the Dolphins navigate this injury crisis, every decision becomes critical. The future of Tua Tagovailoa and the Miami Dolphins hangs in the balance, and fans will be watching closely. The organization’s commitment to player safety, effective backup strategies, and community engagement will be pivotal in shaping the next chapter for the team.
