The Miami Dolphins signal-caller Tua Tagovailoa experienced a concussion during Thursday evening’s 31-10 defeat against the Buffalo Bills.
With 4:30 remaining in the third quarter, Tua advanced the ball up the center on a 4th down & four yards to go situation.
Tua Tagovailoa has suffered yet another concussion. PRAY! 🙏 pic.twitter.com/iugiuGKRR7
— SM Highlights (@SMHighlights1) September 13, 2024
In other words, after colliding with Bills safety Damar Hamlin, he remained down on the field for a considerable duration. It’s significant to mention that Tua’s posture upon the initial collision suggests that he very likely suffered a brain injury.
Specifically, his right hand curled into a fist right after the impact, which is typically indicative of a loss of consciousness.
THIS IS TRAGIC… #Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa was struck by Damar Hamlin and his response to the head impact was distressing.
💔💔💔
Tua has faced numerous concussions over his career…
Most of his teammates are praying on the field
pic.twitter.com/qVm6Bz8tQD— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) September 13, 2024
This reaction was hauntingly reminiscent of Tua’s previous responses during the 2022 NFL season, which resulted in him missing several games. Particularly during Weeks 3 & 4 (2022), Tua suffered a head injury in a contest against the Bills (21-19 victory), as he hit his head on the turf after being knocked backward. This incident became viral since Tua appeared disoriented and unable to maintain his balance while being aided by teammates.
No idea how Tua passed the concussion protocol to return to the game after this. He’s clearly not alright…he should sit the rest of this one out, it’s week 3… it’s not like playoff stakes are on the line pic.twitter.com/1yDf1Uz2Wi
— Mark Dalton (@themarkdalton) September 25, 2022
Despite leaving the game prematurely, he somehow cleared the concussion protocol that week and four days later participated in a “Thursday Night Football” outing against the Cincinnati Bengals (27-15 defeat), where Tua tragically endured a similar hit after being sacked, causing his head to recoil upon contact with the ground.
Very frightening as Tua Tagovailoa collapses post-sack, appearing to potentially sustain a second concussion in just 4 days. This is very concerning. pic.twitter.com/2u0Leb69O5
— Dr. Lös Real Polyamorous Tantric Sex Guru (@LosRealAli) September 30, 2022
In light of this play, it was more critical, closely resembling Tua’s reaction this evening, as he lifted his hands immediately with his fingers curling up, which is a neurological reaction to head trauma.
As Tua’s head impacts the ground, it appears he has lost control over his fingers. This, just 4 days after a potential concussion on Sunday, feels extremely unsafe and avoidable pic.twitter.com/02WvoxbwLC
— Christian D’Andrea (@TrainIsland) September 30, 2022
Ultimately, as this unfolded, he was taken off the field on a stretcher and transported to a nearby medical facility in Cincinnati. The seriousness of the injury prompted many to wonder if Tua should consider retirement, as he openly acknowledged that he has mulled it over himself.
🚨In 2022 #Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa addressed contemplating retirement due to multiple concussions.
After facing another brutal and alarming head impact tonight resulting in ANOTHER concussion, one has to ponder if this marks the end of his #NFL career.pic.twitter.com/3HfpoWN7VZ https://t.co/SXpcbH2PYf
— The Fantasy Football Know It Alls (@FF_Know_It_Alls) September 13, 2024
Furthermore, he entered concussion protocol once more that season following a Christmas Day match against the Green Bay Packers (26-20 defeat).
Regrettably, it has occurred.
Tua Tagovailoa is in the #concussion protocol after reporting symptoms today, likely resulting from this play in Q2 ⬇️. Missed by the team again, despite poor performance & 3 INT’s after. 3rd concussion of the season—no doctor in their right mind can clear him this year. Season over. https://t.co/qbZLlgvk5S pic.twitter.com/NcMb5ZGOf4— Chris Nowinski, Ph.D. (@ChrisNowinski1) December 27, 2022
Considering tonight’s TNF injury, further questions arise about the trajectory of Tua’s NFL career; this past offseason, he finalized a 4-year, $212.4M contract extension with the Dolphins.
After exiting the game against the Bills, Tua spent the rest of the match being monitored by the medical personnel in the locker area.
Tua Tagovailoa has now encountered 4 concussions since 9/25/24
I would presume he and his family are engaging in serious discussions about retirement.
He had deeply considered it after his last one in 2022.It’s disheartening to witness. Sending prayers for him. https://t.co/qSF4hRDKqF pic.twitter.com/BpwmJtSPTj
— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) September 13, 2024
Notably, this marks the Dolphins QB’s fourth concussion (third documented one in the NFL) while he is only beginning his fifth season.
Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel on Tua Tagovailoa’s concussion and his fencing response pic.twitter.com/e6L3zb7JC5
— Jordan Dajani (@JordanDajani) September 13, 2024
As per CBS Sports HQ injury specialist Marty Jaramillo, Tua might be sidelined for at least eight to 12 weeks, and he mentioned that retirement should be taken into consideration for the 26-year-old quarterback.
“Textbook indication of a serious head injury,” Jaramillo shared with CBS Sports. “He impacted his head twice. Firstly on the tackle, secondly on ground contact. This young man simply cannot afford to keep sustaining concussions and [then expect] he will have a lengthy career. … [It’s] not fair to himself and his family.”
Josh Allen on Tua Tagovailoa’s concussion: “Understanding what’s happened in the past, just know I’m praying for him and his family. He’s an exceptional football player but I’ve been around him outside the football field & he’s an even more incredible human… Hope all is well.” pic.twitter.com/qWz0FVFY93
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) September 13, 2024
Image Source: April Visuals / Shutterstock
