Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel is urging fans and the media to focus on Tua Tagovailoa’s health rather than his football future after the quarterback sustained his third concussion in two years.
McDaniel Emphasizes Health as the Primary Concern for Tagovailoa
Following Tua’s third concussion in just two years, Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel is calling for a shift in the conversation surrounding his star quarterback. Speaking to the local media, McDaniel expressed that the immediate priority should be Tagovailoa’s health and recovery, rather than speculation about his football career. He emphasized that the added pressure from fans and the media to make decisions about retirement is not beneficial for Tua’s at this moment.
“I believe that even bringing up that topic would be very inappropriate for me, and that it would be more in keeping with my genuine concern for others.,” McDaniel stated. You’re discussing his career; it belongs to him. I simply hope that for a brief moment, people would see that discussing his future is not in his best interests.”
Tagovailoa’s Third Concussion: A Serious Concern
Tagovailoa suffered his latest concussion after a forceful collision with Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin during Thursday night’s game. After the hit, Tagovailoa displayed a fencing response — a neurological reaction often indicative of brain trauma. He remained on the field for several minutes before being able to walk off under his own power.
Tagovailoa has been added to the NFL’s concussion protocol by the Dolphins, and McDaniel made it clear that he had “zero idea” when he will be back. Additionally, he emphasized that Tagovailoa’s welfare is his first concern and that he is not seeing the matter through a football lens. ‘Alright, so what does this imply for him playing?’ is not how I’m seeing the injury. McDaniel clarified the situation. I am aware of the reality that it is critical for him to gradually regain his health.
Skylar Thompson Set to Start in Tagovailoa’s Absence
The Dolphins’ third-year quarterback, Skylar Thompson, is anticipated to start in Tagovailoa’s absence. McDaniel confirmed that the team is confident in Thompson’s abilities and is preparing him as the next man up for their upcoming game against the Seattle Seahawks.
McDaniel did, however, raise the prospect of adding a second quarterback, which would probably create more competition and depth for Thompson’s backup position. According to McDaniel, it’s reasonable to anticipate having three quarterbacks on the roster for the upcoming game.
Terrible: Chris Nowinski, CEO of @ConcussionLF says that Tua Tagovailoa's right hand clenching into a fist and his arm shooting straight into the air is a form of posturing, indicating a potential loss of consciousness.
💔
pic.twitter.com/eJGCRx944c
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) September 13, 2024Potential Retirement and Contract Implications for Tagovailoa
While McDaniel has refrained from discussing retirement for Tua’s, the topic has been widely debated in the media and among former NFL players. Tua’s, who previously considered retirement after suffering multiple concussions in 2022, signed a lucrative four-year, $212.4 million contract extension with the Dolphins this past summer. Though a large portion of the $167.2 million in guaranteed money is conditional, the arrangement nonetheless includes it.
Salary cap analyst Joel Corry has noted that Tagovailoa may lose up to $124 million if he decides to retire on his own, forfeiting a sizable amount of his guaranteed income. That will be difficult financially, Corry added. Retirement eliminates assurances. The Dolphins might now choose to keep their end of the bargain. That’s not what most teams do.
A Supportive Environment for Tagovailoa’s Recovery
McDaniel has made it clear that the Dolphins’ primary concern is Tua’s health, not his return to the field. The coach described Tagovailoa as being “like a family member” and said his message to him was simple: focus on being a dad this weekend, and the rest will follow.
McDaniel also expressed his willingness to support Tua’s in wearing a guardian cap — protective headgear that reduces the risk of head injuries — in future games, though he did not mandate it. According to McDaniel, “I told him to go in the locker room, take a deep breath, and I’ll see you soon.” McDaniel is the starting quarterback in his family.
Outlook for the Miami Dolphins Moving Forward
As the Dolphins get ready to take on the Seattle Seahawks in their upcoming game, McDaniel said Tagovailoa is a “safe bet not to play.” Tagovailoa would miss at least four games if the team decides to place him on injured reserve. Ryan Fitzpatrick, a former quarterback for the Dolphins, said on a broadcast that this would be the wisest move.
Meanwhile, the Dolphins are monitoring the status of other injured players, such as left tackle Terron Armstead, who is expected to return sooner rather than later from a shoulder injury. The team continues to evaluate their roster and make necessary adjustments to ensure they remain competitive in Tagovailoa’s absence.
Conclusion: Prioritizing Player Health Over Career Speculation
Mike McDaniel’s approach reflects a broader understanding of the importance of player health over the demands of the game. While discussions about Tua Tagovailoa’s future will inevitably continue, the Dolphins coach remains committed to ensuring that his quarterback has the time and support needed to recover fully, both as an athlete and as a person.
