Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has once again found himself on the sidelines due to a concussion, his third since entering the NFL. Despite this setback, Tagovailoa remains resolute in his determination to continue his career, a sentiment that is echoed by the Dolphins organization.
Tagovailoa's latest concussion occurred in Week 2 during a game against the Buffalo Bills, prompting the team to place him on injured reserve with the hope that he can return by Week 7. Notably, he "feels fine," according to reports from ESPN, and he is set to visit a neurologist this week to assess the full extent of his injury.
Dolphins' Commitment Unwavering
Despite the series of concussions that have plagued Tagovailoa's career, the Dolphins remain steadfast in their commitment to him as their long-term quarterback. This offseason, the team formalized this commitment by signing Tagovailoa to a four-year, $212.4 million contract extension. The deal includes $167.2 million in guaranteed money, with $93.2 million fully guaranteed at signing, underscoring the organization's belief in his talent and potential.
Under head coach Mike McDaniel, Tagovailoa has been a key figure in the team's success. The Dolphins boast a 20-11 record in games where he starts and finishes, highlighting his importance on the field. Conversely, in games where he is either absent or exits early, the team has managed just a 1-7 record, a stark contrast that underscores his value to the Dolphins’ offense.
Focus on Recovery and Future
For now, Tagovailoa's focus is on recovery and returning to action as soon as possible. While he has been sidelined until at least Week 7, his determination to return to the field remains unwavering. He has also expressed a desire to continue playing into the 2024 season, indicating that he has no plans to let these concussions derail his promising career.
Miami's confidence in Tagovailoa is further demonstrated by their lack of interest in trading for another quarterback. The organization believes that he is their long-term answer at the position, and they are committed to his development and well-being. As such, they are taking all necessary precautions to ensure he is fully recovered and ready to lead the team once more.
Tagovailoa's resilience and determination, coupled with the Dolphins' unwavering support, paint a picture of a quarterback and franchise aligned in their goals. As he continues to work through his recovery process, the larger narrative remains focused on his return and the impact he is poised to make upon his comeback.
With several weeks to go before he is eligible to return, all eyes will be on the neurologist's assessment and Tagovailoa's ongoing progress. The hope is that he can overcome this latest obstacle and continue to thrive, both for his own career and for the future success of the Miami Dolphins.