Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa reportedly has not advanced to on-field work as he works his way back from the concussion he suffered in Week 16 against the Green Bay Packers.
Tagovailoa has been in concussion protocol for 19 days, but it’s clear doctors and the Dolphins are being careful with rushing him back into the lineup.
The concussion against Green Bay was the second confirmed concussion that Tagovailoa has sustained this season.
Tua is out Sunday and has not advanced into on-field work of concussion protocol. This is day 19, and doctors haven't cleared him beyond early to mid stages of protocol… Dolphins optimistic Bridgewater will be available as backup to Skylar on Sunday.
— Barry Jackson (@flasportsbuzz) January 13, 2023
The Dolphins have ruled out their starting quarterback against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, and rookie seventh-round pick Skylar Thompson will get the start.
Teddy Bridgewater, who injured his throwing hand in Week 17 against the New England Patriots, has a chance to back up Thompson in the team’s playoff game.
Thompson started against the New York Jets in Week 18, and he led the Dolphins to an 11-6 win, allowing them to grab the No. 7 spot in the AFC playoff race. Thompson threw for just 152 yards in the game, completing 20 of his 31 pass attempts, but it was enough for Miami to get the win.
Buffalo is a much tougher test than the Jets, so the Dolphins are going to rely on their defense and hope that Thompson can put together a stronger performance on Sunday.
For Tagovailoa, it’s nice to see that Miami is putting his long-term health first and not rushing him back into the lineup. However, it is concerning that he’s unable to clear the protocols necessary to return to the field.
Tagovailoa has dealt with head injuries in three games this season, against Buffalo, Cincinnati and Green Bay. For any player, that is a scary amount of trauma to have in one season, and it could have an impact on the rest of his career.
It’s really disappointing that Tagovailoa’s 2022 season has been derailed by injuries, as he was really coming into his own in his third NFL season.
The University of Alabama product threw for 3,548 yards, 25 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 13 games during the regular season. He also led the NFL in yards gained per pass attempt and yards gained per pass completion.
Miami is hoping that he can make a full recovery from his concussion, and his teammates are looking to do all they can to upset Buffalo in the wild-card round.
The Dolphins and Bills are scheduled to kick off at 1 p.m. EST on Sunday, Jan. 15.
