Miami Gardens, Florida – Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa finds himself facing the third diagnosed concussion of his NFL career, all of which have occurred within the last two years, raising concerns about both his short-term and long-term future in the league. The injury took place during the Dolphins’ 31-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Thursday night when Tagovailoa collided with Bills defensive back Damar Hamlin while attempting to rush for a first down. Instead of sliding to avoid contact, Tagovailoa initiated the collision by lowering his shoulder into Hamlin, prompting players from both teams to signal for medical attention as he remained on the turf, displaying signs of a head injury.
Following the play in the third quarter, Tagovailoa walked off the field and eventually to the locker room after being evaluated by the medical team. The Dolphins quickly announced that he would not be returning to the game, leaving questions about the severity of the concussion and the impact on his playing future. As Tagovailoa enters the NFL’s concussion protocol, there is no set timetable for his return, as each player’s recovery process varies.
This is not the first time Tagovailoa has dealt with head injuries, having been diagnosed with two concussions in 2022 and one during his time at Alabama. His injury history also includes rib fractures, a thumb injury, and a fractured middle finger on his throwing hand. Concerns have been raised by former players, such as Manti Te’o and Robert Griffin III, urging Tagovailoa to prioritize his long-term health and consider stepping away from the game to avoid further risks.
In the NFL, retirements due to concussion-related concerns have occurred at various stages of players’ careers. Notable examples include Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly, Tennessee Titans star Frank Wycheck, Washington and San Francisco tight end Jordan Reed, Arizona linebacker Kylie Fitts, and former NFL player Chris Borland, who all made the decision to retire due to head trauma concerns. As Tagovailoa navigates his concussion recovery, the focus remains on his well-being and potential impact on his future in the league.