Tua Tagovailoa’s Comeback: What’s Next for the Dolphins After His Injury?

Tua Tagovailoa, the Miami Dolphins’ quarterback, finished the 2023 NFL season playing his first full year. Leading the league in passing yards, Tagovailoa helped the Dolphins secure 11 wins and a wild-card spot in the AFC. His performance, along with the Dolphins’ top-ranked offense, earned him a four-year extension worth $212.1 million.

However, the Dolphins’ 2024 season has started on an unfortunate note. Tagovailoa suffered his third documented NFL concussion during Week 2 in a loss to the Buffalo Bills. This placed him on injured reserve (IR). The Dolphins faced challenges with their backup quarterbacks and have concerns about how to move forward without their star quarterback.

Tagovailoa’s Injury and Expected Recovery Time

When Tagovailoa was placed on IR, it meant he would miss at least the next four games. Under NFL rules, a player on injured reserve cannot play for a minimum of four weeks. For Tagovailoa, this includes upcoming games against the Tennessee Titans and New England Patriots, along with Miami’s Week 6 bye. He might return for the Dolphins’ matchup against the Indianapolis Colts on October 20.

Coach Mike McDaniel has stated there is no specific timeline for Tagovailoa’s return. His recovery is the team’s priority, and no rush has been placed on his return to the field. McDaniel has expressed the importance of ensuring that Tagovailoa’s recovery is handled without added pressure from expectations or timelines. The focus remains on his health and long-term ability to play safely.

Impact on the Dolphins’ 2024 Season

With Tagovailoa sidelined, Miami’s offense struggled in their Week 3 game against the Seattle Seahawks, losing 24-3. Skylar Thompson, the backup quarterback, threw for only 107 yards before being forced out with a rib injury. His replacement, Tim Boyle, didn’t fare much better, completing just 7 of 13 passes for 79 yards. Without Tagovailoa, the Dolphins’ offense amassed just 205 total yards, significantly below their 2023 average.

Miami’s remaining schedule before Tagovailoa’s potential return is somewhat favorable, with games against the Titans, Patriots, and Colts. However, the uncertainty surrounding the quarterback situation threatens to derail the team’s chances of making another playoff run.

Tua Tagovailoa’s Return: What’s Next for Dolphins?

What Must Change for Tua Tagovailoa?

Tagovailoa has been encouraged by coaches to avoid unnecessary contact, especially after his previous concussions in 2022. His latest concussion occurred when he initiated contact with Buffalo Bills defender Damar Hamlin while scrambling for a first down. This play contradicted the coaching staff’s directives for him to slide rather than take hits.

Coach McDaniel emphasized that while competitive spirit is admired, quarterbacks are not trained to run over defenders. Tagovailoa must make adjustments to protect himself better when he returns. His coaches are focused on teaching him how to avoid taking unnecessary risks on the field.

If cleared to return, Tagovailoa will need to prioritize his safety, making smarter decisions to avoid further injury. His health will remain a key factor in determining his ability to lead the team moving forward.

Future of the Dolphins Without Tagovailoa

If Tagovailoa is unable to return, the Dolphins will face significant questions about their future. Tagovailoa’s contract includes $167.1 million in guaranteed money, $93.1 million of which was guaranteed at signing. If he cannot be medically cleared, he is still entitled to the full guaranteed amount. The Dolphins have an insurance policy on Tagovailoa’s contract, which could cover up to $49.3 million. However, it is unclear if concussions are excluded from this policy.

If Tagovailoa retires after being medically cleared, he would forfeit his remaining guaranteed money. In this scenario, a settlement might be reached between Tagovailoa and the team, allowing him to keep his $42 million signing bonus. A potential retirement could prompt discussions about a favorable cap situation for the Dolphins in the 2025 and 2026 seasons.

Currently, no signs indicate that Tagovailoa plans to retire. Both he and the team are hopeful for his recovery. However, his absence would severely impact the Dolphins’ status as Super Bowl contenders. Without a reliable quarterback, Miami’s talented roster, which includes star players like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, may not reach its full potential.

In the event Tua does not return, the Dolphins and the QB’s representatives probably would negotiate a settlement in regards to money owed the player

Dolphins’ Quarterback Situation

With Tagovailoa on IR, the Dolphins have relied on backups Skylar Thompson and Tim Boyle, though neither has performed well so far. Thompson is dealing with a rib injury suffered in the game against Seattle, and his status for future games is uncertain. If healthy, Thompson may still be the starter for the next few games, but the situation is fluid.

The Dolphins recently added Tyler Huntley, who previously played with the Ravens. Huntley’s experience gives Miami some depth, but McDaniel has indicated that competition could determine who starts in the coming weeks.

Boyle, with limited starting experience, may also see more playing time depending on Thompson’s recovery. Boyle performed slightly better than Thompson in the game against Seattle, leading the Dolphins on their two longest drives of the day, though Miami still struggled offensively.

Potential Long-Term Solutions for the Dolphins

If Tagovailoa is unable to play again this season, the Dolphins may explore external quarterback options. Ryan Tannehill, a former Dolphin, could be a possible veteran addition. Another option could be trading for a quarterback like Jimmy Garoppolo, who has experience leading teams deep into the playoffs. Alternatively, the Dolphins might look for a younger quarterback, such as Bryce Young, who could benefit from a fresh start with a new team.

Miami could also use a high pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to select a new quarterback. Prospects such as Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, Miami’s Cam Ward, or Georgia’s Carson Beck are expected to be among the top quarterback prospects in the draft. The Dolphins’ ability to address the quarterback position will be critical to maintaining their competitive window.

Skylar Thompson, Tagovailoa’s primary backup, is dealing with a rib injury suffered against the Seahawks on Sunday.

Skylar Thompson’s Future as Miami’s Starter

Thompson’s performance has raised questions about his role as the starter. McDaniel noted that the decision to add Huntley was mainly for depth, but it has created a potential competition at the position. Thompson has one year remaining on his rookie contract, and his performance in the coming games could determine whether he has a future with the team beyond this season.

In the event Thompson cannot start due to his rib injury, Boyle could step in again. Boyle, though not a long-term solution, brings starting experience to the team. McDaniel has said that Huntley’s addition provides another experienced option for Miami, but the team is still evaluating the best direction to take.

Miami’s Offensive Struggles Without Tagovailoa

Without Tagovailoa, Miami’s offense has faced difficulties. The team’s wide receiver room, valued at $48.7 million, is one of the most expensive in the NFL, but they have been unable to perform up to expectations without consistent quarterback play. In the game against Seattle, star wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle were not able to make the same impact they did with Tagovailoa under center.

The Dolphins’ running game has also struggled, with leading rusher Raheem Mostert failing to find the same success he had earlier in the season. The absence of Tagovailoa has forced the team to rely more heavily on the running game, but without a consistent passing attack, the offense has become predictable for opposing defenses.

What Lies Ahead for the Dolphins?

The Dolphins’ upcoming games will provide a clearer picture of their future. With Tagovailoa expected to miss at least three more games, Miami will need to find a way to win without him to stay competitive in the AFC. Games against the Titans, Patriots, and Colts are critical, as these are all winnable matchups for Miami, even without their starting quarterback.

If Tagovailoa can return for the second half of the season, the Dolphins might still have a chance to push for a playoff spot. However, with tough games against teams like the Packers, Jets, Texans, and 49ers, Miami’s path to the postseason will be challenging.

The Dolphins will need to make critical decisions in the coming weeks. The quarterback situation remains uncertain, and whether it’s Thompson, Boyle, Huntley, or another addition, Miami must address the position if they hope to salvage their season. Failure to do so could result in the team missing the playoffs for the first time in three years.