The Miami Dolphins are preparing to bring in another quarterback as starter Tua Tagovailoa deals with his latest concussion, head coach Mike McDaniel announced Friday. For now, backup quarterback Skylar Thompson will assume the starting role while Tagovailoa remains sidelined. The Dolphins’ quarterback suffered his third documented concussion in the NFL during Thursday night’s 31-10 loss to the Buffalo Bills, leaving the game in the third quarter. All of Tagovailoa’s concussions have occurred within the past two years, raising serious concerns about his health and future in the league.
McDaniel said the team has not yet decided whether to place Tagovailoa on injured reserve. The quarterback was expected to visit the team’s facility on Friday to begin a thorough medical evaluation. McDaniel stressed that the Dolphins will take a cautious approach, relying on medical professionals and Tagovailoa’s own input before making any decisions regarding his return.
“We just have to operate in the unknown and be prepared for every situation,” McDaniel said. He emphasized that the opinions of Tagovailoa and the medical staff would be the only factors in determining next steps for the quarterback.
While McDaniel acknowledged that it’s highly unlikely Tagovailoa will play in Miami’s next game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 22, he refrained from making any definitive statements. “I have no idea, and I’m not going to start making decisions that I don’t see myself involved in the most important parts of,” McDaniel said. He added that his message to Tagovailoa for now is simple: focus on being a dad and taking care of himself over the weekend, and the team will reassess from there. “None of that will happen without the doctors’ expertise and input from the player.”
Before his injury, Tagovailoa completed 17 of 25 passes for 145 yards, throwing one touchdown along with three interceptions—one of which was returned for a Buffalo touchdown. Skylar Thompson stepped in and completed eight of 14 passes for 80 yards in relief.
Thompson expressed confidence in his ability to lead the Dolphins’ offense in Tagovailoa’s absence. “What’s going to lie ahead, who knows? But man, I’m confident though,” Thompson said after Thursday’s game. “I feel like I’m ready for whatever’s to come. I’m going to prepare, work hard, and do everything I can to lead this team and do my job.”
As the Dolphins wait for further clarity on Tagovailoa’s condition, they are preparing for a potentially extended period without their starting quarterback, with Thompson now stepping into the spotlight as the team looks to navigate the uncertain weeks ahead.
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