MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will undergo another medical evaluation Friday morning following a concussion he suffered during Thursday night’s game against the Buffalo Bills, his head coach Mike McDaniel confirmed.
McDaniel addressed the media on Friday, a day after his team’s 31-10 loss at Hard Rock Stadium, expressing concern for his player’s health.
“The most important thing is Tua’s well-being,” McDaniel said. “We’re going to make sure he’s taken care of.”
“I know the facts are it’s important that he (Tagovailoa) gets healthy day by day,” he added. “The best thing I can do is not access this from a football standpoint. I have to put his health as the primary.”
The injury occurred late in the third quarter when Tagovailoa collided head first with Bills defensive back Damar Hamlin, causing him to hit the back of his head on the turf. Tagovailoa exhibited a “fencing response,” a reflex often associated with traumatic brain injuries.
After being examined on the field, Tagovailoa was able to walk off, with McDaniel showing a moment of affection by kissing his head.
Tagovailoa was joined by his family during an initial medical evaluation and later rejoined his teammates in the locker room.
Tagovailoa’s injury history raises further concern.
In 2022, he suffered two concussions and a back injury, sparking criticism of the Dolphins’ handling of player safety and leading to changes in NFL protocols. The team also fired a doctor following the incident. Additionally, Tagovailoa suffered a concussion in 2020 while playing for Alabama.
The latest injury has prompted well-wishes from fans and players, but also renewed questions about Tagovailoa’s long-term health and whether he should continue playing football.
McDaniel said Dolphins backup quarterback Skyler Thompson will fill in as the team’s starter moving forward and Tim Boyle will backup Thompson.
McDaniel also confirmed that the team will bring in a veteran quarterback.
“We will bring in someone,” he said. “We’re just evaluating the pros and cons of doing so but the process started last night (Thursday).”
At this time, there is no timetable for his return. McDaniel said that the focus remains on Tagovailoa’s recovery, not his availability to play.
McDaniel said he doesn’t expect Tagovailoa to play but stated that there’s “no timetable beyond that.”
“I have no idea and I’m not going to all of a sudden start making decisions that I don’t even see myself involved in the most important parts of,” McDaniel added. “All I’m telling Tua is everyone is counting on you to be a dad, and be a dad this weekend. And then we’ll move from there.
Local 10 viewers can watch part of McDaniel’s press conference on Friday in the video below.