Tua Tagovailoa enters concussion protocol, status in doubt vs. New England

Concussions have been the season’s story for Tua Tagovailoa, who has been dealing with head injuries all year. The worst came on a national stage, with the Miami quarterback being carted off the field on Thursday Night Football against Cincinnati.

They are now at the forefront again, as Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniels told reporters that Tagovailoa is once again in concussion protocol. Miami is scheduled to play an important AFC East battle against the New England Patriots on Sunday.

“#Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa is once again in the NFL’s concussion protocol,” Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network said. “His status for this week’s game against the #Patriots is now in doubt.”

Tagovailoa missed Week 5 and Week 6 matchups after suffering a head injury against Cincinnati. Before then, he was cleared by team doctors during a Week 3 win over the Buffalo Bills. He later returned and until now, has been able to stay on the field as Miami pushes for a playoff spot.

In 13 appearances this season, Tagovailoa has thrown for 3,548 yards, 25 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. He has been a fan favorite all year as well, currently leading in Pro Bowl voting. However, his health has been a concern for many with the concussions piling on.

Both Skylar Thompson and Teddy Bridgewater got opportunities for Miami once Tagovailoa was ruled out of previous games. McDaniels has not officially ruled his starter out but if Tagovailoa is not able to go, one of the other two will have to step into a big spot.

Mike McDaniels defends Tua Tagovailoa after Green Bay loss

Tua Tagovailoa continued his rough stretch in the second half of the season for the Miami Dolphins. But head coach Mike McDaniel came to the defense of his quarterback following multiple interceptions in a loss to the Green Bay Packers.

“It’s a challenge, but it’s also something that every quarterback really goes through,” McDaniel said postgame. “It’s kind of one of those necessary things that you have to really figure out how you don’t let mistakes snowball and that’s one of the reasons the approach and the way we’ve gone about things has been so intentional in that regard, because you can’t let the past influence the present.”

Tagovailoa finished the loss against the Packers 16-of-25 passing for 310 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions. The Dolphins had a 20-13 lead at halftime but did not score in the second half.