Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa experienced memory issues after he suffered a concussion in Week 16 of the 2022 season against the Green Bay Packers.
It was the second time this season that Tagovailoa has suffered a confirmed concussion, with the first coming against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 4. That’s put his timetable to return for the Dolphins this season in question.
Remember, Tua had memory issues and inability to recall things after GB concussion. Doctors are taking this very seriously, to the point they told the coaching staff that they should not discuss ANY topics that could cause him stress, such as when he might play again. https://t.co/95fVFK8xJS
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) January 9, 2023
It is a good thing that the Dolphins are taking Tagovailoa’s concussion seriously, as his long-term health is much more important than if he can play again this season.
The Dolphins were able to sneak into the playoffs in the AFC even though Tagovailoa missed the final two weeks of the 2022 season. Rookie seventh-round pick Skylar Thompson started at quarterback in Week 18 against the New York Jets and led Miami to an ugly 11-6 victory.
The win, and a New England Patriots’ loss, gave the Dolphins the No. 7 seed in the AFC, setting up a playoff matchup with the Buffalo Bills.
Since the Dolphins are taking a cautious approach with Tagovailoa, there’s certainly a chance that he isn’t ready to play in the team’s playoff game.
That would leave Thompson or veteran Teddy Bridgewater as the starter against Buffalo. Bridgewater, who injured his throwing hand in Week 17 against the Patriots, has been making progress to return to action from the injury.
Dolphins are hoping Teddy Bridgewater can be active in a backup role after making “unbelievable” progress throughout the week https://t.co/rj74gKpTSY
— Marcel Louis-Jacques (@Marcel_LJ) January 6, 2023
Tagovailoa has been by far the Dolphins’ best option at quarterback this season.
The third-year quarterback has thrown for 3,548 yards, 25 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 13 games this season. He led the NFL in yards gained per pass attempt and yards gained per pass completion.
The Dolphins went 1-1 against the Bills in the regular season, but both games were decided by three or fewer points.
Miami would have a much better chance of pulling off the upset on the road if Tagovailoa is able to play, but the fact that he had memory issues signals that the team has to be extra cautious with allowing him back on the field.
Tagovailoa’s status for the team’s playoff game will likely become clearer as the week goes on. The Dolphins and Bills are scheduled to kick off at 1 p.m. EST on Sunday, Jan. 15.
