In one game, everyone was reminded of the story surrounding Tua Tagovailoa during the 2023 offseason.
Tagovailoa suffered multiple concussions during the 2022 season, including a scary one Thursday night against the Cincinnati Bengals. He said he considered retiring after the season but ultimately decided to continue his football career. His long-term health was a topic of conversation until the start of last season.
On Thursday evening he experienced another frightening moment.
Tagovailoa ran for a first down on fourth-and-four, and with the Dolphins trailing 31-10, he didn’t slide. Tagovailoa put his head down, was hit hard by Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin, and stayed down.
Tagovailoa ran for a first down on a fourth-and-4 attempt, and with the Dolphins trailing 31-10, he didn’t slide. Tagovailoa lowered his head and collided with Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin. Tagovailoa remained down after the hard hit. He tried to get up but couldn’t. He was able to avoid such hits last season, but Thursday’s hit knocked him out of the game.
Tagovailoa got up, limped off the field and was immediately taken back to the locker room. He was replaced by Skylar Thompson.
The team ruled him out shortly thereafter, reporting that he had suffered a concussion.
Injury Update | Tua Tagovailoa has been ruled out due to a concussion.
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) 13 September 2024
In July, Tagovailoa and the Dolphins signed a four-year, $212.4 million contract. Concerns about Tagovailoa and his health were not forgotten, but they had faded into the background after he played in every game last season. After Thursday night, all concerns about Tagovailoa and his health will be resurrected.