The Miami Dolphins improved to 3-0 in the 2022 season with an impressive upset win over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.
However, the Dolphins’ 21-19 victory didn’t come without cause for concern, as quarterback Tua Tagovailoa exited the game with what was thought to be a concussion. He eventually returned to help lead the Dolphins to a win.
Even though he was evaluated for a concussion, Tagovailoa revealed that he cleared the protocols.
#Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa says he fell on his back first before his head hit the field. But he was cleared when evaluated for a concussion.
— Safid Deen 💯💯💯💯 (@Safid_Deen) September 25, 2022
Tagovailoa appeared to be done for the day after he was wobbly leaving the field, but he explained from his perspective what happened on the play.
Tua Tagovailoa explains from his perspective what happened on play where he was wobbly trying to leave the field: pic.twitter.com/wm0Ft9dv8d
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) September 25, 2022
“Kind of get my legs caught under someone,” Tagovailoa said. “They were trying to push back, and it kind of felt like I hyperextended my back or something.
“And then on the next play, I kind of hit my back and kind of hurt it. Then I got up and that’s why I stumbled. My back kind of locked up on me. But for the most part, I’m good. Passed whatever concussion protocol they had, so I’m good.”
That’s a sigh of relief for Dolphins fans, and the team certainly hopes that the back injury doesn’t develop into a bigger issue for its quarterback.
“We believed in each other and we believed in ourselves. It might be new to people that are watching,” #Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa says on 3-0 start.
Also: “I’m worried about getting my back right.”
— Safid Deen 💯💯💯💯 (@Safid_Deen) September 25, 2022
Tagovailoa did reveal that he had some discomfort throwing the football in the second half of Sunday’s game.
Tua says he was feeling discomfort trying to throw in the second half, breaks down the big 45-yard third-and-22 conversion to Jaylen Waddle. pic.twitter.com/j2DfaaF4TV
— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) September 25, 2022
“It was uncomfortable going in,” Tagovailoa said. “I guess you could say it was the adrenaline that was keeping me going with the throwing. Mike [McDaniel] called a play that he thought would work, and if we got a certain look, we wanted to take advantage of it.”
Tagovailoa explained that he tried to keep the safety focused on Tyreek Hill so he could work the ball back to Jaylen Waddle for a big gain.
Despite the injury, Tagovailoa finished the day with 186 yards passing and a touchdown, completing 13 of his 18 pass attempts.
The win now puts the Dolphins in first place in the AFC East, and it gives them a chance to sweep the Bills in the season series the next time they face off.
