Tua Tagovailoa is expected to miss at least the next game, and potentially more, as confirmed by Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel. The quarterback has been advised to prioritize his role as the “starting quarterback of his family” following a serious collision with Bills safety Damar Hamlin during the Dolphins’ 31-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills.
The Dolphins’ upcoming game is scheduled for a week from Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks. The decision regarding Tagovailoa’s return will ultimately depend on his consultation with medical professionals, according to McDaniel.
“I don’t see how he would play in the next game. I don’t see it,” McDaniel stated to reporters.
To prepare for a longer absence from Tagovailoa, McDaniel indicated that the team is looking to sign another quarterback to support presumptive starter Skylar Thompson and practice squad QB Tim Boyle.
“The team and the organization are very confident in Skylar,” McDaniel said. “That being said, we will bring in another quarterback.”
The incident occurred when Tagovailoa, attempting to make a fourth-down conversion, collided headfirst into Hamlin’s midsection. He was unable to get back up, prompting immediate medical attention from both teams.
As Tagovailoa was taken off the field, McDaniel communicated a supportive message. “I told him he’s the starting quarterback of his family, to go to the locker room, take a deep breath and I’ll see you soon,” McDaniel relayed.
Hamlin, who suffered a life-threatening cardiac arrest during a game around 20 months ago, has continued his career despite the incident. McDaniel expressed that he would refrain from offering career advice to Tagovailoa to avoid adding pressure.
“I think it would be so, so wrong of me to even sniff that subject,” he remarked, emphasizing his desire to spare Tagovailoa any additional stress.
The situation on Thursday night attracted comments from Las Vegas Raiders coach Antonio Pierce, who shared his concern given Tagovailoa’s history with head injuries. “I’d tell him to retire. It’s not worth it,” Pierce said. He complemented McDaniel’s focus on family, stating, “I just think that at some point, he’s going to live longer than he’s going to play football. Take care of your family.”
Tagovailoa has previously missed multiple games during the 2022 season due to concerning concussions, but he had a standout year in 2023, passing for a league-best 4,623 yards. In July, the Dolphins rewarded him with a four-year, $212.4 million contract, which includes $167 million guaranteed.