When Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa suffered her third NFL concussion in Miami’s loss to the Bills in Week 2, a presumption around the league was that Tagovailoa would not take the field again this season. In terms of his long-term health, playing again this season did not seem to make sense.
But six weeks later, Tagovailoa is returning to Dolphins practice and angling to get back onto the field if he’s ready. That is good news for the Dolphins, who have struggled badly on offense.
In the past five years, the Dolphins are 33-20 when Tagovailoa starts. They are 8-12 when he does not. Tagovailoa admitted frustration with his head injuries but also expressed certainty he was doing the right thing.
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa
© Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
“I’m frustrated, but this is what it is. Do I want to be known for this? No, I don’t, but that’s the cards I’ve been dealt with given the history of it. So it is what it is,” he told reporters.
The benefits of Tagovailoa getting back on the field are obvious. But Dr. Julian Bailes, a neurosurgeon consulted by the Dolphins when Tagovailoa had two concussions during the 2022 season, told ESPN this week that the red flags should have everyone around Tagovailoa worried.
“The biggest question is, does he need a prolonged period of rest?” Bailes said. “That’s No. 1, which would mean probably not returning this year.
“If you have three or more concussions in a finite period of time, then that’s consideration for pause. … I’m sure he and his advisers are going to make whatever decision they make, but you have to be concerned.”
Tagovailoa, for his part, said he has been assured there are no future risks by coming back to play. At the very least, going by Bailes’ judgment, there is cause for concern.
