The quarterback has a long history of concussions. In the 2022 season, Tagovailoa missed five games, including one postseason game, due to concussions. In Week 4 against the Cincinnati Bengals, Tagovailoa was carried off the field on a stretcher and missed two games. Then, on Christmas Day against Green Bay, he suffered another concussion and was ultimately out for the rest of the season.
McDaniel noted that he wants Tua to focus on being a father at this point and not worry about football. Given Tagovailoa’s history of concussions, the coach was asked if he thought the 26-year-old, who signed a four-year, $212.4 million contract extension last month, might consider retirement. McDaniel declined to speculate.
“I think it would be so wrong of me to even bring up this subject,” McDaniel said. “It’s more about really caring about the person. This is something that is entirely – you’re talking about his career, right? – his career is his. … Bringing up his future is not in his best interest. I ask anyone who really cares that this is the last thing on your mind. …
“I don’t think it’s appropriate, simply because of my care and respect. And I don’t think that kind of conversation is appropriate when you’re talking about someone’s career. I think it’s probably only fair that that person makes their own career decisions.”
McDaniel said Friday that he is unsure at this point whether Tagovailoa will be placed on the injured list, but he expects the quarterback to miss at least one game.
“I don’t see how (Tua) would play in the next game,” McDaniel said. “I don’t see it — but who am I to know or judge? … But again, I have no idea and I’m not going to suddenly start making decisions. I don’t even see myself being involved in the most important part (of that decision).”
With McDaniel expecting to be out for at least a week – possibly longer – the Dolphins are handing the reins to backup quarterback Skylar Thompson, who started two regular-season games and the Dolphins’ wild-card loss in 2022. Thompson beat out Mike White as the backup QB in the preseason.
The Dolphins have QB Tim Boyle on the practice squad. McDaniel added that the Dolphins plan to add a third quarterback to the active roster at some point.
“I think the best way to express where we are is that the team and the organization have a lot of confidence in Skyler and see that there was a reason why he was our backup quarterback,” McDaniel said. “That said, we’re going to bring somebody in. We’re just weighing the pros and cons of the different situations and going through all the options to get what’s best for the team, but as it stands today, I expect Skyler to be the next man up.”
