Tua Tagovailoa’s 3rd NFL Concussion Shocks Dolphins Fans

It was a tough night for the Miami Dolphins and their fans as Tua Tagovailoa suffered his third NFL concussion in a difficult loss to the Bills. The Miami quarterback had been having a solid season, but the game took a sudden turn when Tua had to exit after hitting his head on the turf. This incident once again brought concerns about player safety and the risks involved in football, especially in the NFL.

Tua Tagovailoa Leaves the Game After Hitting Head on Turf

Tua Tagovailoa, the Miami Dolphins quarterback, had to leave the game after hitting his head on the turf during a play. He was immediately ruled out and later diagnosed with a concussion, marking his third NFL concussion. The Dolphins were already trailing the Bills, and Tua’s exit only made things harder for the team. The Bills dominated the Dolphins 31-10, with Cook scoring three touchdowns. It was a difficult moment, not just for the Miami Dolphins, but for Tua as well, who has had a history of concussions that have raised questions about his future in the NFL.

Third Concussion in NFL Career

This wasn’t the first time Tua Tagovailoa had faced such an injury. In fact, this was his third concussion in his NFL career. It happened during a Thursday night game against the Buffalo Bills, where Tua ran into defensive back Damar Hamlin. After the collision, Tua hit the back of his head on the turf and stayed down for several minutes. When he finally got to his feet, he slowly walked to the sideline before heading to the locker room. He even smiled and waved to the fans as he made his way off the field. But the reality was that the Dolphins were dealing with yet another serious injury to their star quarterback.

Dolphins Confirm the Concussion Quickly

The Dolphins wasted no time in announcing that Tua had suffered a concussion. The team quickly made it official, pointing out that this was not his first. Tagovailoa had already sustained two concussions during the 2022 season, and he even had one back in college while playing for Alabama. This injury only added to the concern about his long-term health. Skylar Thompson, another quarterback for the Dolphins, stepped in to replace Tua. After the game, Thompson spoke highly of Tua, saying, “I have a lot of love for Tua. He’s a great guy, and everyone in the organization cares deeply about him. We’re all praying that everything will turn out alright.”

Tua Tagovailoa’s Contract and Performance

Despite his injuries, Tua Tagovailoa remains a crucial player for the Miami Dolphins. Before the season started, he signed a massive four-year, $212 million extension, making him one of the highest-paid players in the NFL. He even led the league in passing during Week 1 this season. However, the Dolphins struggled in this game, trailing 31-10 when Tua left. That score ended up being the final result, and it was clear that his absence had a big impact on the game.

After the game, Josh Allen, the Bills quarterback, expressed his concern for Tua. In an interview with Amazon, he said, “He’s not just a great football player, but also a great human being. We all have a lot of love for Tua, and we’re hoping he and his family are okay.” It was a touching moment, showing the respect that players across the league have for Tagovailoa, both as a player and as a person.

Tua’s Injury History and Future

Injuries have been a major part of Tua’s career since his college days at Alabama. His first few NFL seasons were also filled with injuries, but he had a strong and healthy year in 2023, leading the Dolphins to the playoffs. He threw for 29 touchdowns and a league-best 4,624 yards last year, showing his true potential when healthy. But now, after suffering yet another concussion, the big question is when, or if, Tua will be able to return to the field this season.

Back in April 2023, Tua spoke about how the concussions in the 2022 season had made him think about his future in football. He even considered stepping away from the game for a while to protect himself. On that Thursday night, the injury occurred when Tua ran straight into Hamlin on a fourth-down keeper, leading with his shoulder instead of sliding. He ended up flat on his back, his hands in the air, and several Bills players immediately pointed out that something was wrong.

A Fencing Response and Emotional Reactions

As Tua lay on the ground, some people noticed that he was making a fist with his right hand, a movement associated with something called the “fencing response,” which can happen after a traumatic brain injury. The moment was tense, and you could feel the concern from both sides of the field. Even Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel grabbed Tua’s head and gave him a kiss on the cheek as he walked off. It was an emotional moment for the entire team.

Replacing Tua, Thompson did his best, but the game was already out of reach. Meanwhile, the Dolphins center Aaron Brewer and several others had signaled to the sideline right after the play, knowing something serious had happened. It was a scary moment for everyone, especially considering how serious concussions are in the sport of football.

Hamlin’s Similar Scary Moment

Ironically, the player involved in this collision, Damar Hamlin, had his own frightening experience earlier in the year. In January 2023, during a Monday night game in Cincinnati, Hamlin suffered a cardiac arrest after a tackle, causing the NFL to suspend the game. It was a dramatic scene, as millions of viewers watched the incident live on national television. The game, which had been pivotal, suddenly seemed unimportant in the face of such a scary moment. Now, once again, Hamlin found himself in the middle of another dramatic situation on the field.

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