Some unfortunate, but entirely expected, injury news broke on Tuesday afternoon. After suffering his fourth diagnosed concussion since 2019 last Thursday against the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has been officially placed on the Injured Reserve list.
Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel declined to give a timeline for Tua’s return last week, but was quick to state he didn’t “see how (Tua) would play in the next game” which will be this coming weekend in Seattle. Now, McDaniel’s words have been confirmed. Tua will miss at least the next four games, including the Week 3 showdown against the Seahawks.
Breaking: The Dolphins are placing QB Tua Tagovailoa on injured reserve, sources tell @AdamSchefter.
He will be out a minimum of four games. pic.twitter.com/lOdIB0GneI
— ESPN (@espn) September 17, 2024
In Tua’s place will be backup quarterback Skylar Thompson, who completed 8-of-14 passes for 80 yards against Buffalo when he took the field for Tua. Miami did bolster their quarterback room by signing former Ravens Pro Bowl (yes, this is somehow accurate) quarterback Tyler Huntley, who was signed off Baltimore’s practice squad on Monday.
While Huntley is now a Dolphin, McDaniel was quick to affirm this is a move meant to back up Thompson, not compete with him to be the starter.
Although the loss of Tua is a considerable one to a Miami team with eyes on the postseason, this roster is still more than talented enough to challenge Mike Macdonald’s defense. Seattle struggled defensively on the ground against the considerably less deep New England offense, showcasing a vulnerability that still exists. By virtue of playing on Thursday night, the Dolphins also had extra time off to prepare Thompson for the starting role.
I fully expect another competitive game for the Seahawks this coming Sunday.
