Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa sustained a concussion for the third time in his NFL career, leaving his team’s game Thursday night against Buffalo after running into defensive back Damar Hamlin and hitting the back of his head against the turf.
Miami Dolphins star Tua Tagovailoa suffered a concussion against the Buffalo Bills Thursday.
Late in the third quarter with Miami in Buffalo territory, Tagovailoa ran forward for a first down but seemed to slip while trying to slide. He ended up colliding with Bills safety Damar Hamlin and landed awkwardly after his head bent.
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The Dolphins medical staff and head coach Mike McDaniel quickly rushed out to the field as players took a knee. Amazon Prime sideline reporter Kaylee Hartung said on the broadcast it took just six minutes for it to be declared a concussion.
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He ended the game completing 17 of 25 passes for 145 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions.
Tagovailoa previously suffered two concussions in the 2022 campaign, coupled with other injuries. He admitted in 2023 he considered retirement due to the nature of the injuries.
“I considered it for a time, having sat down with my family, having sat down with my wife and having those conversations," Tagovailoa said. "But, really, it would be hard for me to walk away from this game with how old I am, with my son. I always dreamed of playing as long as I could to where my son knew exactly what he was watching his dad do.
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“It’s my health. It’s my body. And I feel like this is what’s best for me and my family. I love the game of football," he said. "If I didn’t, I would’ve quit a long time ago.”
Ahead of the 2024 season, Tagovailoa inked a four-year extension with Miami worth just north of $212 million.
Tagovailoa enjoyed a healthy 2023 season as the Dolphins reached the postseason, but didn't have enough quality to make a deep run.
Skylar Thompson is Miami's QB2 behind Tagovailoa.
