Miami Dolphins Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa Suffers Another Concussion in Loss to Buffalo Bills

September 13, 2024
By M Muzamil Shami

Miami Gardens, FL – Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered another concussion during a devastating 31-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Thursday night. This marks a concerning development for Tagovailoa, who has faced previous head injuries throughout his NFL career.

Tua Tagovailoa Suffers Concussion in Third Quarter

Tagovailoa, 26, sustained the concussion during the third quarter after taking a hit from Bills safety Damar Hamlin while scrambling for a first down. The impact left him on the ground at Hard Rock Stadium, where team medical staff immediately attended to him. Although he eventually walked off the field under his own power, he did not return to the game.

Skylar Thompson, the Dolphins’ backup quarterback, stepped in after Tagovailoa was officially ruled out with a concussion, as announced via the team's social media channels.

Tagovailoa’s History of Head Injuries Raises Concerns

This latest concussion raises alarms, as Tagovailoa has a documented history of head injuries. During the 2022 season, he suffered multiple concussions, leading him to consider retirement from football in early 2023. His decision to continue playing came with great caution, as the risk of repeated head trauma has significant long-term health implications.

Dolphins Head Coach Shares Thoughts

Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel spoke with reporters after the game, addressing Tagovailoa’s condition. "I spoke with him in the locker room, and he was in good spirits," McDaniel said. "But, of course, my immediate concern was for his well-being."

McDaniel emphasized the importance of a proper medical evaluation before making any decisions about Tagovailoa's return. "It’s too early to talk about putting him on injured reserve," McDaniel added. "Right now, we’re focused on his health, and we’ll take it one day at a time."

Tagovailoa’s Resilience and Leadership

Despite leaving the game early, Tagovailoa remained engaged with his teammates. According to McDaniel, the quarterback made an effort to uplift his fellow players in the locker room, showcasing his leadership and commitment to the team. "His character and leadership shine through, even in tough times," McDaniel said. "He's more worried about his teammates than himself, which speaks volumes."

Uncertain Future for Tua Tagovailoa

The long-term implications of this concussion are yet to be determined. When asked about whether it is still safe for Tagovailoa to continue playing football, McDaniel declined to give a definitive answer, instead deferring to medical experts. "I’m not a medical professional, so I’ll wait for the proper evaluations before we make any decisions," McDaniel explained.

The Dolphins are expected to provide further updates on Tagovailoa’s condition following a more detailed medical examination.

Buffalo Bills Coach Sean McDermott Celebrates Another Victory Over Dolphins

Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott continued his dominance over the Miami Dolphins with Thursday night's victory, bringing his record to 14-2 against the team since taking over as head coach in 2017. McDermott credited the team’s strong fan support, noting that the overwhelming presence of Bills fans at Hard Rock Stadium made it feel like a home game.

"Someone came up to me during the game and asked if this was a home game for us," McDermott said with a smile. "The energy from our fans was incredible, and it made all the difference."

The Bills are set to face the Dolphins again on November 3, this time at home in Buffalo.

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Key Takeaways:

• Tua Tagovailoa’s Injury: Suffered a concussion in the third quarter after a hit from Bills safety Damar Hamlin.
• Player’s Health History: This is not the first head injury for Tagovailoa, who has previously dealt with multiple concussions, leading to concerns about his future in the NFL.
• Coach McDaniel’s Reaction: Emphasized a "one day at a time" approach, focusing on Tagovailoa’s health and waiting for a complete medical evaluation.
• Buffalo Bills' Dominance: Head coach Sean McDermott improves his record to 14-2 against the Dolphins, with fans creating a home-game atmosphere in Miami.

People Also Ask

1. Did Tua Tagovailoa Suffer Another Concussion Recently?

Yes, Tua Tagovailoa experienced multiple concussions during the 2022 NFL season. One notable incident occurred in Week 4 against the Cincinnati Bengals, following an earlier injury in Week 3 that led to widespread concern about his health.

2. What Led to Tua Tagovailoa's First Concussion?

Tua Tagovailoa sustained his first concussion during the 2022 NFL season in a game against the Buffalo Bills in Week 3. He was hit hard, causing him to fall and hit his head on the ground, which led to visible signs of head trauma.

3. Where Was Tua Tagovailoa Born and Raised?

Tua Tagovailoa hails from Ewa Beach, Hawaii. He has a Samoan heritage and is known for his close-knit family upbringing, which played a key role in shaping his football career.

4. Who is the Current Quarterback for the Miami Dolphins?

Tua Tagovailoa is the starting quarterback for the Miami Dolphins. Since being drafted in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, he has become a key player for the team.