The Miami Dolphins are facing concerns once again following another concussion injury suffered by their star quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa. Following a collision with Buffalo Bills’ Damar Hamlin in a Thursday night game, Tagovailoa was helped off the field, sparking fears over his long-term health. Tagovailoa has already experienced three known concussions within his short career, and coach Mike McDaniel commented that the Dolphins would be approaching the situation and his care one day at a time.
The Dolphins management now finds itself debating Tagovailoa’s future in the wake of his latest injury. Tagovailoa’s previous concussions in 2022 led to criticism of the team for allowing him to return prematurely. This early return reportedly led to further injury, sparking an investigation by NFL medical examiners. Fans, former players, and medical experts urge caution this time around, recommending extended and sophisticated testing for Tagovailoa’s recovery process.
Social media erupted with concerns following Tagovailoa’s injury, with many arguing that he should retire to avoid the risk of another possibly more devastating concussion. The QB has demonstrated his elite playing skills in previous seasons, leading the NFL in passing yards last season and starting the current one in similarly impressive fashion. However, his recurring injuries highlight the potential risk within the violent game of football.
Amid these concerns, the Dolphins have the added complication of a recently agreed upon contract extension with Tagovailoa. Despite the contract’s $212.4 million price tag, the Dolphins organization primarily harbors concerns about their player’s health and quality of life. As such, the Dolphins cannot follow traditional concussion protocol but instead should implement thorough testing before allowing further physical activity from Tagovailoa. The young man’s opinion of his future and his career will be a significant factor in deciding the next course of action.
While it is too soon to map out Tagovailoa’s recovery timeline, the question of returning him to the injured reserve list or encouraging a slow-paced return has been raised by coach McDaniel. If Tagovailoa chooses to continue his NFL career, it’s crucial that the Dolphins take every conceivable measure to protect him, including specialized equipment and a more cautious approach to his return to play.
Despite the challenges, the primary concern for the Dolphins and McDaniel remains Tagovailoa’s wellbeing over any professional obligations or contractual obligations. Ensuring the young quarterback’s health and long-term quality of life remains their main priority. Ultimately, the team needs to make decisions that protect Tagovailoa from further harm and potential health implications. The hope is to prevent the young star quarterback from experiencing another such traumatic event in the future.
