Tua Tagovailoa’s Thursday Night Football game against the Buffalo Bills took a frightening turn, evoking memories of past injuries that once led the Miami Dolphins quarterback to consider retirement. In a moment that could change the course of the Dolphins’ season, Tagovailoa suffered another concussion after taking a hard hit from Bills safety Damar Hamlin.
It was a critical 4th-and-4 play, with the Dolphins needing a touchdown to stay in the game. Tagovailoa stepped up in the pocket, scrambled to pick up the first down, and instead of sliding, decided to power through the open field. Hamlin was waiting, and while he didn’t lay a brutal hit, the real damage came when Tagovailoa’s head hit the turf at Hard Rock Stadium, reminiscent of some of his past injuries.
At first glance, it seemed like Tagovailoa had come through the play unharmed, as he gestured for a teammate to help him off the ground. But then things took a concerning turn.
His hand began to move uncontrollably, a clear sign of neurological distress, and his disorientation became obvious as teammates and medical staff rushed to his side. Players from both teams took a knee, recognizing the seriousness of the situation.
While Tagovailoa was able to walk off the field under his own power, he was visibly shaken and limping. Instead of heading to the blue medical tent for evaluation, he went straight to the locker room with the team’s medical staff. Within minutes, it was confirmed—another concussion.
This isn’t the first time Tagovailoa has faced such a grim scenario. His 2022 season was marred by concussions, including a terrifying incident against the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday Night Football, where he left the field on a stretcher after a violent hit.
That moment followed another controversial hit against the Bills just days before, where despite obvious head trauma, it was ruled as a back injury. The image of Tagovailoa’s fingers curling in an involuntary response, a condition known as “fencing posture,” shocked fans and raised serious concerns about his health.
Tagovailoa’s battle with concussions even led him to contemplate walking away from football altogether. In the offseason before the 2023 campaign, he opened up about how the fear of long-term effects, especially those tied to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), weighed heavily on him. However, Tagovailoa ultimately returned, playing every game of the 2023 season without injury—a remarkable feat considering his history.
Now, the Dolphins are left holding their breath. While Tagovailoa’s toughness is undeniable, his health is a growing concern. With another concussion on the books, questions will arise about his long-term future in the NFL. Will he pass concussion protocol and return to the field this season, or will this latest injury force the Dolphins to take a more cautious approach with their star quarterback?
Before the injury, Tagovailoa had a challenging night, throwing three interceptions—one of which was returned for a touchdown—and a single touchdown pass to De’Von Achane. His performance may not have been his best, but for Dolphins fans, that is the least of their worries. The focus now shifts to his recovery and what this latest head injury means for both Tagovailoa’s career and the future of the Miami Dolphins.
