Once again, the Miami Dolphins find themselves navigating the choppy waters of the NFL season without their star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. After suffering his third concussion of his career in Week 2 during a matchup against the Buffalo Bills, Tagovailoa has been sidelined, marking a significant setback for both him and his team.
Despite this latest injury, Tagovailoa remains resolute in his commitment to his NFL career. According to reports from ESPN, he "feels fine" nearly two weeks removed from the incident, a sentiment that underscores his determination to return to the gridiron. This week, he is set for a crucial visit with a neurologist to fully assess the extent of his injury, a step that will play a pivotal role in charting his path forward.
A Crucial Absence
Tagovailoa’s absence until at least Week 7 is a significant blow for the Dolphins. Placed on injured reserve in Week 3, the team must thread the needle without their long-term answer at quarterback for the immediate future. Yet, the organization’s commitment to Tagovailoa is unwavering. Earlier this offseason, the Dolphins inked him to a lucrative four-year, $212.4 million contract extension, a clear signal of their belief in his talents and leadership.
The extension, which includes $167.2 million guaranteed and $93.2 million fully guaranteed at signing, affirms the Dolphins' view of Tagovailoa as their franchise quarterback. This investment is underpinned by his performance under head coach Mike McDaniel, where the team boasts a commendable 20-11 record in games he starts and finishes. In stark contrast, the Dolphins have managed just a 1-7 record in games where Tagovailoa is either absent or exits early, underscoring his critical role in their success.
No Trading Plans
Despite the physical setbacks, the Dolphins have no plans to trade for another signal-caller. The organization remains steadfast in their belief that Tagovailoa is their man for the present and future. This vote of confidence further solidifies his status within the team, even as he navigates the recovery process from his latest concussion.
This injury narrative, however, is not new terrain for Tagovailoa. His career has been marred by concussions, each casting a shadow of uncertainty over his playing days. Yet, each time, he has demonstrated remarkable resilience, continually focusing on returning to the field and contributing to his team’s fortunes. This season is no different; Tagovailoa’s determination to get back into action within the 2023 season is evident, coupled with an expressed desire to play again in 2024.
Key Evaluations Ahead
The upcoming evaluation by a neurologist this week will be a critical juncture in Tagovailoa's recovery timeline. It will provide clearer insights into the severity of his concussion and outline the necessary steps for his return to play. Until then, the Dolphins must brace themselves for a challenging stretch without their cornerstone quarterback.
As Miami navigates this period, the performance of the team in Tagovailoa’s absence will be closely watched. Coach Mike McDaniel’s strategies and the team’s ability to adapt will be under scrutiny, especially given the stark contrast in their records with and without Tagovailoa at the helm.
The road to recovery for Tagovailoa may be fraught with obstacles, but his resolve and the unwavering support from the Dolphins organization suggest a comeback is on the horizon. The commitment shown by the team, both financially and emotionally, speaks volumes about their confidence in Tagovailoa’s abilities and leadership. With his focus squarely on recovery and return, the Dolphins and their fans await the day their star quarterback can lead them once again.